Words for Sending Letters

・定形郵便(Standard Size Postal Item), 定形外郵便(Nonstandard Size Postal Item)
・速達(Express Mail)
・書留(Registered Mail)
・消印 & 当日消印有効 (Postmark & Same-Day Postmarking)
・必着(documents or letters must be delivered by the specified date)

 

When you send a letter, you buy a stamp, stick it on the envelope, and post it. The size and weight of the envelope containing your letter make a difference in the cost of the stamps. The following are some useful words you should know when sending a letter.
There are many rules and regulations for sending letters, in Japan. If you are not sure, ask at the post office.

 

When sending a letter, there are various regulations, such as for standard size and non-standard size (within the specified size, or over the specified size). The size and weight of the envelope containing your letter determines how much it costs for the postage.

 

If you want your letter to be delivered promptly, use express mail. For express mail, add a stamp for the express delivery fee to the standard postage. Then, draw a red line on the envelope when you want it sent by express mail.

 

 

 

 

When sending an important letter, it is best to use registered mail (書留kakitome). You will be able to know if your letter was delivered or not. Currency registration (現金gen-kin書留kakitome) allows you to send money. To use kakitome, you must request it at the post office.

 

The postmark is the date stamp on postage stamps of letters. The postmark is dated with the day a letter is handled by a post office. When you need to send a letter or document, for example, with a "Deadline of September 30th (当日tojitsu消印 kesi-in有効yuko – same-day postmarking)" requirement, if the postmark is September 30, it means that the letter may be delivered to the recipient on October 1st; still acceptable to the recipient. You can bring your letter to the post office counter and have it sent with that day's postmark.

 

For example, if you need to send a letter for which you are told, "September 30th 必着hicchaku," the letter must be received by the recipient by September 30th. Please note that this does not mean 当日tojitsu消印 kesi-in有効yuko (same-day postmarking).