(そうふじょう)

そうふじょう
noun
cover letter; transmittal slip
businesscommunication
1. cover letter; transmittal slip; covering note
A brief document attached to materials being sent — such as faxes, documents, or packages — that identifies the sender, recipient, and contents. Standard in Japanese business communication.
送付状(そうふじょう)()えて書類(しょるい)(おく)
I send the documents with a cover letter attached.
Please write the recipient and page count on the fax cover sheet.
I mailed my resume and work history with a cover letter.

Composed of 送付(そうふ) (sending, forwarding) and (じょう) (document, letter). In Japanese business culture, including a 送付状(そうふじょう) with documents is considered basic etiquette, whether sending by mail, fax, or even email attachment.

The typical format includes the date, recipient name and company, sender name and contact information, a greeting, a list of enclosed items, and a closing. Templates are widely available and follow a standard layout.

Common collocations

Similar words

  • ()(じょう): accompanying letter — synonym, slightly more traditional
  • カバーレター: cover letter — loanword, used more in foreign-company contexts
  • 挨拶状(あいさつじょう): greeting letter — for seasonal or formal greetings, not document transmittal