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.
送付状を添えて書類を送る。
I send the documents with a cover letter attached.
ファックスの送付状に宛先と枚数を書いてください。
Please write the recipient and page count on the fax cover sheet.
履歴書と職務経歴書に送付状を付けて郵送した。
I mailed my resume and work history with a cover letter.
Composed of 送付 (sending, forwarding) and 状 (document, letter). In Japanese business culture, including a 送付状 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:
- 送付状を添える: to attach a cover letter
- 送付状を作成する: to prepare a cover letter
- ファックス送付状: fax cover sheet
- 送付状のテンプレート: cover letter template
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 添え状: accompanying letter — synonym, slightly more traditional
- カバーレター: cover letter — loanword, used more in foreign-company contexts
- 挨拶状: greeting letter — for seasonal or formal greetings, not document transmittal