1.
note left behind, written message left for someone
A letter or note left in a place for someone to find, rather than being delivered directly. Often left when departing, going out, or leaving without saying goodbye in person.
テーブルの上に置き手紙があった。
There was a note left on the table.
母は置き手紙を残して出かけていた。
My mother had gone out, leaving a note behind.
彼は家族に短い置き手紙を書いてから、一人で旅に出た。
He wrote a short note to his family and then set off on a journey alone.
USAGE:
The word emphasizes that the writer is absent when the recipient finds the message. It can be a casual note about running errands or a more dramatic farewell letter. The tone depends entirely on context.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 置き手紙を残す: to leave a note behind
- 置き手紙を書く: to write a note to leave behind
- 置き手紙がある: there is a note left behind