葉書
When using はがき (hagaki), it's important to remember a few cultural nuances beyond its basic definition as a postcard. While in English-speaking countries postcards are often used for casual greetings or souvenirs, in Japan, はがき can serve more formal purposes, such as New Year's greetings (年賀状 - nengajou) or seasonal greetings (暑中見舞い - shochuumimai, 残暑見舞い - zansho mimai). These are often sent to a wide range of acquaintances, including colleagues, clients, and friends, to maintain social connections and show respect. Understanding these specific uses helps in appreciating the role of はがき in Japanese communication, extending beyond just a simple message-sending tool.
Let's learn how to use the Japanese word 葉書 (はがき, hagaki), which means 'postcard'. This is a common word you'll encounter, especially if you're interested in Japanese culture or travel.
§ Basic Meaning and Usage
- DEFINITION
- A postcard for sending messages without an envelope.
The word 葉書 (はがき) is a noun. It refers to the physical card itself. You can use it just like you would use 'postcard' in English.
日本から葉書を送りました。
Translation hint: I sent a postcard from Japan.
この葉書はいくらですか？
Translation hint: How much is this postcard?
§ Using 葉書 with Verbs and Particles
You'll often use 葉書 with verbs related to sending, writing, or receiving. Here are some common patterns:
- ～を送る (okuru) - to send: This is probably the most common verb you'll pair with 葉書.
友達に葉書を送りました。
Translation hint: I sent a postcard to my friend. (Here, に indicates the recipient.)
- ～を書く (kaku) - to write: When you're talking about the act of writing on a postcard.
葉書にメッセージを書きました。
Translation hint: I wrote a message on the postcard. (Here, に indicates the surface on which you write.)
- ～が届く (todoku) - to arrive (intransitive): For when a postcard reaches its destination.
母から葉書が届きました。
Translation hint: A postcard arrived from my mother. (Here, から indicates the origin.)
§ Specific Expressions with 葉書
You might also hear or use 葉書 in more specific contexts:
- 年賀葉書 (nenga hagaki) - New Year's postcard: These are very common in Japan. People send them to friends and family around New Year's Day.
毎年、たくさんの年賀葉書が届きます。
Translation hint: Every year, many New Year's postcards arrive.
- 暑中見舞い葉書 (shochū mimai hagaki) - Summer greeting postcard: These are sent during the hot summer months to check in on people.
暑中見舞い葉書を出す季節です。
Translation hint: It's the season to send summer greeting postcards.
§ Practical Tips for Learners
- Practice writing: Try writing a simple message on a real or imagined 葉書. This helps solidify your understanding.
- Look for them: When you're in Japan, keep an eye out for 葉書 at post offices, souvenir shops, and even convenience stores.
- Don't confuse with 手紙 (tegami): Remember that 葉書 is a postcard, sent without an envelope. 手紙 (てがみ) means 'letter' and implies an envelope.
Understanding 葉書 will definitely help you navigate everyday situations and cultural practices in Japan. Keep practicing these example sentences!
حقيقة ممتعة
The 'gaki' pronunciation is a common sound change (rendaku) when 'kaku' is the second part of a compound word.
قواعد يجب معرفتها
N + を + 書く (kaku) - to write on N
彼女に葉書を書きます。 (Kanojo ni hagaki o kakimasu.) - I will write a postcard to her.
N + で + 送る (okuru) - to send by means of N
葉書で送ってください。 (Hagaki de okutte kudasai.) - Please send it by postcard.
N + を + 出す (dasu) - to mail N (used with letters/postcards)
今日、葉書を出しました。 (Kyō, hagaki o dashimashita.) - I mailed the postcard today.
N + に + V - to verb to N (person/destination)
友達に葉書を送る。 (Tomodachi ni hagaki o okuru.) - I'll send a postcard to my friend.
N + が + 必要だ (hitsuyō da) - N is necessary
このメッセージを送るには葉書が必要です。 (Kono messēji o okuru ni wa hagaki ga hitsuyō da.) - A postcard is necessary to send this message.
أمثلة حسب المستوى
これは古い葉書です。
This is an old postcard.
私は友達に葉書を書きます。
I write a postcard to my friend.
その葉書はどこですか？
Where is that postcard?
彼は家族に葉書を送りました。
He sent a postcard to his family.
私は旅行中に葉書を買いました。
I bought a postcard during my trip.
この葉書には絵があります。
This postcard has a picture.
郵便局で葉書が買えます。
You can buy postcards at the post office.
私は誕生日に葉書をもらいました。
I received a postcard for my birthday.
旅行先から友達に綺麗な景色の葉書を送りました。
I sent a postcard with beautiful scenery to my friend from my travel destination.
から indicates the origin or source of an action.
この葉書にはメッセージを書くスペースがあまりありません。
There isn't much space to write a message on this postcard.
あまり...ません expresses 'not much' or 'not very'.
誕生日に祖母から手書きの葉書が届きました。
I received a handwritten postcard from my grandmother on my birthday.
から indicates the sender of the postcard.
郵便局で切手と葉書を買うことができます。
You can buy stamps and postcards at the post office.
で indicates the location where an action takes place.
夏休み中に、家族に葉書を出しました。
During summer vacation, I sent postcards to my family.
に indicates the recipient of the postcard.
この葉書は古い写真が印刷されていて、とても趣があります。
This postcard has an old photo printed on it, and it has a lot of charm.
ていて connects two clauses, describing a state and its characteristic.
葉書一枚で、遠く離れた人とも繋がることができます。
With just one postcard, you can connect with people far away.
で indicates the means or method.
展覧会の案内葉書が自宅に郵送されてきました。
An invitation postcard for the exhibition was mailed to my home.
が indicates the subject of the passive verb.
أنماط نحوية
أنماط الجُمل
Noun に Noun を 送ります (okurimasu)
友達に葉書を送ります。(I send a postcard to my friend.)
この Noun はとても Adjective です。
この葉書はとてもきれいです。(This postcard is very pretty.)
Noun から Noun に Noun を 書きます (kakimasu)。
旅行先から家族に葉書を書きました。(I wrote a postcard to my family from my travel destination.)
Noun で Noun を 送ります (okurimasu)。
葉書でメッセージを送ります。(I send a message by postcard.)
Noun に Noun を 書きます (kakimasu)。
葉書に住所を書きます。(I write the address on the postcard.)
Noun が Verb-potential。
葉書が書けますか？ (Can you write a postcard?)
Verb-て Form から Noun を 送ります。
手紙を書いてから葉書を送ります。(After writing the letter, I send the postcard.)
Noun は Noun です。
これは葉書です。(This is a postcard.)
نصائح
Basic use of 葉書
The most common use of 葉書 (hagaki) is simply to refer to a postcard. For example, you might say 「葉書を書きます」 (hagaki o kakimasu) which means I write a postcard.
Sending a postcard
When you want to say you're sending a postcard, you can use 「葉書を出します」 (hagaki o dashimasu). For example, 「友達に葉書を出しました」 (tomodachi ni hagaki o dashimashita) means I sent a postcard to my friend.
New Year's postcards
In Japan, a special type of postcard called 年賀状 (nengajō) is sent for New Year's greetings. While not always called 葉書 directly in this context, it's a common use of the postcard format.
Postal stamp on postcards
Remember that postcards in Japan usually have a stamp already printed on them, especially standard postcards. If not, you'll need to buy a 切手 (kitte) or stamp.
Don't confuse with letter
Don't confuse 葉書 (hagaki) with 手紙 (tegami), which means a letter. A letter requires an 封筒 (fūtō) or envelope, while a postcard does not.
Variations of postcards
While 葉書 is the general term, you might hear specific types like 絵葉書 (ehagaki) for a picture postcard, or 往復葉書 (ōfuku hagaki) for a return postcard (which includes a reply card).
Where to buy postcards
You can typically buy 葉書 at a 郵便局 (yūbinkyoku) or post office, or even at some コンビニ (konbini) or convenience stores.
Using 葉書 for forms
Sometimes, 葉書 can also refer to a reply card or a form that is in a postcard format, often attached to magazines or products for surveys or applications.
Historical context of 葉書
Historically, 葉書 became popular as a more economical way to send messages than a full letter. Understanding this can help grasp its practical function.
Practice reading addresses
If you're writing a postcard, you'll need to know how to write Japanese addresses. Practice reading and writing addresses on postcards for a practical application of your skills.
أصل الكلمة
From '葉' (ha), meaning 'leaf', and '書' (gaki, from kaku), meaning 'to write'.
المعنى الأصلي: Originally referred to writing on leaves or thin pieces of wood.
Sino-Japanese (Kan-on reading)السياق الثقافي
<html>In Japan, postcards are a popular way to send greetings for various occasions, like New Year's (年賀状 - nengajou) or summer greetings (暑中見舞い - shochuumimai). They often feature beautiful designs, seasonal imagery, or even lucky charms. It's common to receive many postcards during these times from friends, family, and even businesses.</html>
اختبر نفسك 36 أسئلة
Imagine you want to send a New Year's greeting. Write a short sentence saying you sent a postcard. Use '葉書' (hagaki).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
年賀状の葉書を送りました。
Write a short sentence asking someone if they received the postcard. Use '葉書' (hagaki).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
葉書は届きましたか。
Write a sentence saying you bought a postcard. Use '葉書' (hagaki).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
お店で葉書を買いました。
What is being sent to a friend?
Read this passage:
これはきれいな葉書です。友達に送ります。メッセージを書きました。
What is being sent to a friend?
The passage says 'きれいな葉書' which means 'a beautiful postcard'.
The passage says 'きれいな葉書' which means 'a beautiful postcard'.
Where was the postcard bought?
Read this passage:
郵便局で葉書を買いました。家族に送ります。住所を書きました。
Where was the postcard bought?
The passage states '郵便局で葉書を買いました' which means 'I bought a postcard at the post office'.
The passage states '郵便局で葉書を買いました' which means 'I bought a postcard at the post office'.
What is drawn on the postcard?
Read this passage:
旅行中に葉書を書きました。日本の美しい景色が描かれています。友達は喜ぶでしょう。
What is drawn on the postcard?
The passage says '日本の美しい景色が描かれています' which translates to 'beautiful Japanese scenery is drawn'.
The passage says '日本の美しい景色が描かれています' which translates to 'beautiful Japanese scenery is drawn'.
Imagine you're sending a thank-you note on a postcard. Write a short message to your friend in Japanese, telling them you received their gift and you appreciate it. Include the word 葉書.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
この葉書でありがとうを伝えたいです。プレゼント、本当に嬉しいです。
You are traveling and want to send a postcard to your family. Write a short message describing a beautiful place you visited. Include the word 葉書 and mention a location.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
この葉書は京都から送っています。本当にきれいな場所です。
Write a short note on a postcard inviting a friend to a casual gathering next weekend. Include the word 葉書 and the day of the week.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
週末に集まりがあります。この葉書を見て、ぜひ来てください。
What did the sender put on the postcard?
Read this passage:
友達に海外旅行の報告を葉書で送った。きれいな海の写真を貼ったので、友達も喜んでくれるだろう。
What did the sender put on the postcard?
The passage states 「きれいな海の写真を貼った」 which means 'pasted a photo of a beautiful sea'.
The passage states 「きれいな海の写真を貼った」 which means 'pasted a photo of a beautiful sea'.
Why did the person decide to buy the postcards?
Read this passage:
郵便局で特別な葉書を見つけた。日本の有名な風景が描かれていて、お土産にも良さそうだ。数枚買って家族に送ることにした。
Why did the person decide to buy the postcards?
The passage says 「お土産にも良さそうだ。数枚買って家族に送ることにした」 which indicates they thought they would be good souvenirs to send to family.
The passage says 「お土産にも良さそうだ。数枚買って家族に送ることにした」 which indicates they thought they would be good souvenirs to send to family.
What was the main content of the grandmother's postcard?
Read this passage:
夏休み中に、祖母から手書きの葉書が届いた。そこには「元気でいるか」と私の体を気遣う言葉が書かれていた。少し泣きそうになった。
What was the main content of the grandmother's postcard?
The passage states 「「元気でいるか」と私の体を気遣う言葉が書かれていた」 which translates to 'words asking if I was well and worrying about my health were written'.
The passage states 「「元気でいるか」と私の体を気遣う言葉が書かれていた」 which translates to 'words asking if I was well and worrying about my health were written'.
This sentence means 'She sent a postcard to her friend.' The typical Japanese sentence structure is Subject-Object-Verb, with particles marking the roles.
This sentence translates to 'During the trip, I wrote postcards to my family.' '旅行中に' (during the trip) sets the context, followed by the recipient ('家族へ'), object ('葉書を'), and verb ('書いた').
This question asks, 'Where did you buy this beautiful postcard?' Adjectives come before nouns in Japanese, and the question word 'どこで' (where) comes before the verb '買いましたか' (did you buy?).
Imagine you're sending a New Year's postcard (年賀状 - nengajou) to a close friend. Write a short message wishing them well and mentioning a plan to meet soon. Include at least one casual expression.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
〇〇ちゃん、明けましておめでとう！今年もよろしくね。近いうちに会って、またおしゃべりしたいな。元気にしてる？
You are writing a thank-you postcard to a host family after a homestay. Express your gratitude for their hospitality and mention a specific positive memory from your stay.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
〇〇様、先日は大変お世話になりました。皆様のおかげで、とても楽しいホームステイになりました。特に、一緒に作った手料理の味が忘れられません。本当にありがとうございました。
Write a postcard to a distant relative you haven't seen in a while. Ask about their recent activities and suggest a possible time for a visit or a video call.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
〇〇おじさん、おばさん、お元気ですか？最近はいかがお過ごしですか。近いうちに一度、ビデオ通話でもできれば嬉しいです。また連絡しますね。
この人は何をしようとしていますか？
Read this passage:
友人の引っ越し祝いに葉書を送ることにした。新居の住所は聞いていたけれど、部屋番号を忘れてしまった。彼女にメッセージアプリで確認しよう。
この人は何をしようとしていますか？
引っ越し祝いに葉書を送るために、忘れてしまった部屋番号をメッセージアプリで友人に確認しようとしています。
引っ越し祝いに葉書を送るために、忘れてしまった部屋番号をメッセージアプリで友人に確認しようとしています。
この人が葉書を送ることにこだわる理由は何ですか？
Read this passage:
旅行先から家族に葉書を送るのは、私にとって大切な習慣だ。スマートフォンで写真を送るのも便利だが、手書きのメッセージには温かみがある。到着まで時間がかかるのも、また風情があって良い。
この人が葉書を送ることにこだわる理由は何ですか？
スマートフォンで写真を送る便利さを認めつつも、手書きのメッセージに温かみを感じ、それが葉書を送る大切な習慣となっていると述べています。
スマートフォンで写真を送る便利さを認めつつも、手書きのメッセージに温かみを感じ、それが葉書を送る大切な習慣となっていると述べています。
筆者は祖父の葉書を見て何を感じましたか？
Read this passage:
祖父が昔書いた葉書が見つかった。達筆な文字で、若い頃の祖父の生活が垣間見えるような内容だった。今ではあまり葉書を書く機会も減ったが、こうして時を超えてメッセージが残るというのは素晴らしいことだ。
筆者は祖父の葉書を見て何を感じましたか？
祖父の葉書を通じて、時を超えてメッセージが残ることの素晴らしさを感じています。
祖父の葉書を通じて、時を超えてメッセージが残ることの素晴らしさを感じています。
旅先から友人へ美しい景色の___を送りました。
文脈から、メッセージを送るための絵柄のある紙である「葉書」が適切です。「手紙」は封筒に入れることが多く、「封筒」や「切手」は単体でメッセージを送るものではありません。
彼女はいつも誕生日に手作りの___を送ってくれます。
手作りのメッセージカードとして「葉書」がよく使われます。「電報」は緊急の連絡に、「小包」は物を送るのに、「伝言」は口頭で伝えるものです。
引越しの連絡は、ご挨拶を兼ねて___で送るのが一般的です。
日本の習慣として、引越しや結婚の報告などは、丁寧な挨拶として「葉書」を送ることが一般的です。
郵便局で海外に送るための___と切手を買いました。
海外へメッセージを送る際に「葉書」はよく利用されます。「封筒」や「便箋」は封書に、「小包」は物を送るものです。
この絵はがきは、裏面にメッセージを書いて___として使えます。
絵はがきは、絵が描かれた「葉書」の一種であり、メッセージを送るために使われます。
昔はSNSがなかったので、遠方の友人と連絡を取るには___が主な手段でした。
SNSがない時代には、「葉書」が手軽な連絡手段として広く使われていました。「狼煙」や「伝書鳩」、「手信号」は現代では一般的ではありません。
Choose the most appropriate word to complete the sentence: 郵便局で新しい___を買いました。
The sentence indicates buying something new at the post office that fits the description of a postcard. '切手' means stamp, '封筒' means envelope, and '便箋' means letter paper, none of which fit as well as '葉書'.
Identify the correct use of '葉書' in the following sentences:
The first option correctly uses '葉書' in the context of sending a scenic postcard from a travel destination. The other options describe scenarios that are unlikely or grammatically awkward for a standard postcard.
Which of these situations would most likely involve sending a '葉書'?
'葉書' is typically used for informal, brief messages like vacation updates, not for urgent, formal, or legal correspondence which require more privacy and space.
A '葉書' is usually enclosed in an envelope before mailing.
The definition of '葉書' (postcard) states that it is for sending messages 'without an envelope'. Therefore, the statement is false.
You can typically write a long, detailed letter on a '葉書'.
'葉書' (postcard) has limited space and is generally used for short, concise messages, not long, detailed letters.
In Japan, it is common to send '年賀葉書' (New Year's postcards) to friends and family at the end of the year.
'年賀葉書' are a very common cultural practice in Japan for New Year's greetings, making this statement true.
/ 36 correct
Perfect score!
Basic use of 葉書
The most common use of 葉書 (hagaki) is simply to refer to a postcard. For example, you might say 「葉書を書きます」 (hagaki o kakimasu) which means I write a postcard.
Sending a postcard
When you want to say you're sending a postcard, you can use 「葉書を出します」 (hagaki o dashimasu). For example, 「友達に葉書を出しました」 (tomodachi ni hagaki o dashimashita) means I sent a postcard to my friend.
New Year's postcards
In Japan, a special type of postcard called 年賀状 (nengajō) is sent for New Year's greetings. While not always called 葉書 directly in this context, it's a common use of the postcard format.
Postal stamp on postcards
Remember that postcards in Japan usually have a stamp already printed on them, especially standard postcards. If not, you'll need to buy a 切手 (kitte) or stamp.
مثال
友達に葉書を送りました。
محتوى ذو صلة
قواعد ذات صلة
مزيد من كلمات communication
について
A2about; concerning
宛先
B1The address or name of the recipient to whom mail or an email is sent.
番地
A2House number
賛同
B1Approval, endorsement; support or agreement with an idea.
~も
A2Too, also.
〜そして
A1And then; and (used to connect sentences or clauses).
〜や
A2And; and so forth (used to list examples, implying others exist).
たり
A2Indicates a non-exhaustive list of actions/states ('and so on').
お知らせ
B1Notice; an announcement or communication.
答え
A2A thing said, written, or done as a reaction to a question or statement.
