1.
news, word, tidings
Information or updates from someone, especially someone far away.
息子から便りがあった。
I received word from my son.
便りがないのは良い便り。
No news is good news.
Proverb
久しぶりに故郷の母から便りが届いた。
After a long time, I received a letter from my mother back home.
2.
letter, correspondence
Written communication, especially a personal letter.
友人に便りを書く。
To write a letter to a friend.
年賀状は新年の便りだ。
New Year's cards are New Year's correspondence.
旅先から便りを送った。
I sent a letter from my travel destination.
COMMON EXPRESSIONS:
- 便りがある (to receive news/a letter)
- 便りがない (no news, no word)
- 便りを出す (to send a letter/news)
PROVERB:
- 便りがないのは良い便り: No news is good news
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 便り: News/letter (slightly literary/traditional)
- 手紙: Letter (most common word)
- 連絡: Contact, communication (modern/practical)
NOTE: Though somewhat old-fashioned, 便り is still used especially when referring to news from people far away or occasional correspondence.
Related Words
Related:
手紙 (letter)