置(お)き手紙(てがみ)

おきてがみ
noun
note left behind, farewell letter
communication
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(うえ)に置(お)き手紙(てがみ)があった。
There was a note left on the table.
My mother had gone out, leaving a note behind.
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(お)き手紙(てがみ)を残(のこ)す: to leave a note behind
  • 置(お)き手紙(てがみ)を書(か)く: to write a note to leave behind
  • 置(お)き手紙(てがみ)がある: there is a note left behind