普通郵便(ふつうゆうびん)

A compound of 普通(ふつう) (ordinary, regular) and 郵便(ゆうびん) (mail, postal service). The default postal service for everyday correspondence.

Common collocations

• 普通郵便(ふつうゆうびん)で送(おく)る — to send by regular mail
• 普通郵便(ふつうゆうびん)の料金(りょうきん) — regular mail postage
• 普通郵便(ふつうゆうびん)の届(とど)く日数(にっすう) — delivery days for regular mail

Characteristics

• No tracking number
• No compensation if lost
• Delivered to the mailbox (no signature required)
• Cheapest option
• Cannot be used to send cash

Related words

• 書留(かきとめ) — registered mail (tracked and insured)
• 速達(そくたつ) — express delivery (faster but more expensive)
• 定形郵便(ていけいゆうびん) — standard-size mail (fits specific size/weight limits)
• 定形外郵便(ていけいがいゆうびん) — non-standard-size mail (oversized or overweight items)
• 配達証明(はいたつしょうめい) — delivery certification

Practical note

普通郵便(ふつうゆうびん) can be posted simply by affixing the correct postage stamp and dropping it in a mailbox (ポスト). No visit to the post office is needed for standard-size items.