電報(でんぽう)

電報(でんぽう) refers to telegrams, which are still used in Japan for formal occasions.

Common expressions

• 電報(でんぽう)を送(おく)る/打(う)つ: to send a telegram
• 電報(でんぽう)が届(とど)く: telegram arrives
• 電報(でんぽう)を受(う)け取(と)る: to receive a telegram

Types

• 祝電(しゅくでん): congratulatory telegram (weddings, etc.)
• 弔電(ちょうでん): condolence telegram (funerals)

Cultural note

While telegrams are obsolete for everyday communication, they remain important for formal Japanese occasions. Sending a 祝電(しゅくでん) to weddings is still a common practice.

Note: NTT still offers telegram services in Japan.