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A2 noun #3,500 le plus courant 10 min de lecture

封筒

futo Top 3,500

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces 封筒 en 30 secondes

Explication 封筒 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should recognize **封筒 (fūtō)** as the basic word for 'envelope'. You will most likely see it in stationery shops or convenience stores. Beginners should focus on the simple existence of the object. For example, 'Fūtō wa arimasu ka?' (Do you have an envelope?). You should also know that it is a noun and that you can use adjectives like 'ōkii' (big) or 'chiisai' (small) with it. At this stage, don't worry about the complex kanji; focus on the sound 'fūtō' and the visual of a paper envelope. You might use it when buying stamps (kitte) or asking for help at a front desk. It is one of the essential 'object' nouns for daily survival in Japan.

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At the A2 level, you begin to use **封筒 (fūtō)** in simple action sentences. You should be able to use the particle 'ni' to indicate putting a letter inside: 'Tegami wo fūtō ni iremasu' (I put the letter in the envelope). You should also learn the basic sizes like 'Nagagata' (long) and 'Kakugata' (square) if you are living in Japan, as these appear on packaging. You might also encounter the word when receiving mail and describing it, such as 'Shiroi fūtō ga kimashita' (A white envelope came). Understanding that 'fūtō' is the container, distinct from 'tegami' (the letter), is a key milestone at this level to avoid common beginner mistakes.

By B1, you are expected to use **封筒 (fūtō)** in more specific and professional contexts. You should be familiar with 'Henshinyō fūtō' (return envelope) and 'Shamei-iri fūtō' (envelope with company name). You should understand the etiquette of sealing an envelope, including using glue (nori) and writing the '〆' (shime) mark. In a work environment, you might be asked to 'Fūtō ni atena wo kaite' (Write the address on the envelope). You should also be comfortable using the word in compound forms and understanding the difference between standard mail and specialized envelopes for cash gifts like 'shugi-bukuro'. Your vocabulary should expand to include the verbs for sealing (fū wo suru) and opening (開封する - kaifū suru).

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At the B2 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of **封筒 (fūtō)** within Japanese social and business hierarchies. You understand that the quality and type of envelope chosen reflect the importance of the document and the relationship between the sender and receiver. You can discuss the postal system in detail, including 'kakitome' (registered mail) and how it relates to the type of envelope used. You should be able to read the kanji 封筒 easily and recognize it in formal documents or instructions. At this level, you might also use the more formal term 'fūsho' in certain written contexts. You are aware of the specific placement of the sender's and recipient's information on both vertical and horizontal envelopes.

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At the C1 level, you can appreciate the aesthetic and historical aspects of **封筒 (fūtō)**. You might discuss the use of 'Washi' (traditional Japanese paper) for high-end envelopes and how the texture of the paper communicates sincerity (magokoro). You understand the historical development of the word from bamboo tubes to modern paper. In a literary context, you can analyze how an author uses the description of an envelope to set a mood or reveal a character's status. You are also familiar with archaic or highly formal terms related to correspondence and can navigate the most complex postal regulations or specialized stationery shops with ease, discussing things like paper weight and opacity.

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At the C2 level, your mastery of **封筒 (fūtō)** is near-native. You understand the deep cultural philosophy of 'wrapping' (tsutsumu) in Japan, of which the envelope is a prime example. You can engage in professional or academic discussions about the evolution of communication and the symbolic role of the physical envelope in a digital society. You are perfectly comfortable with all forms of formal honorific writing on envelopes, including the most obscure suffixes for recipients. You can also distinguish between various types of traditional decorative envelopes used in specific regional or historical ceremonies. The word is no longer just a vocabulary item, but a gateway into the intricate web of Japanese social etiquette and history.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

封筒 en 30 secondes

Fūtō is the Japanese word for 'envelope', used for letters, documents, and cash gifts.
It is a noun, often paired with verbs like 'ireru' (put in) and 'tojiru' (close).
There are specific sizes (Naga/Kaku) and colors (White/Brown) for different levels of formality.
In Japan, physical envelopes remain highly important for business and social etiquette.

The Japanese word 封筒 (ふうとう - fūtō) refers to an envelope, a fundamental item in both daily life and business communication in Japan. While digital communication has become the norm, the physical envelope remains a crucial medium for formal documents, seasonal greetings, and monetary gifts. The word itself is composed of two kanji: 封 (fū), meaning to seal or close, and 筒 (tō), which originally referred to a tube or pipe. This historical etymology reflects the ancient practice of placing scrolls inside bamboo tubes for protection during transport.

Etymological Origins: The use of 'tube' (筒) in the word suggests that early Japanese envelopes were not the flat paper rectangles we use today, but rather protective containers for rolled documents. As paper became more common and folding techniques evolved, the flat envelope emerged, but the name persisted.

In Japan, the choice of envelope is highly significant and depends entirely on the context. There are two primary shapes: Nagagata (long, vertical envelopes) and Kakugata (square or rectangular envelopes for larger documents). For English speakers, the most striking difference is the orientation. Traditional Japanese envelopes are designed for vertical writing, where the recipient's address and name are written from top to bottom, starting from the right side.

この手紙を封筒に入れてください。 (Kono tegami wo fūtō ni irete kudasai.) - Please put this letter in an envelope.

Beyond basic mail, envelopes play a central role in Japanese gift-giving culture. You will encounter specialized versions like 祝儀袋 (shugi-bukuro) for weddings or ポチ袋 (pochi-bukuro) for New Year's money (Otoshidama). These are technically envelopes, though they often use the suffix -bukuro (bag) instead of -tō. However, in a general sense, if you are at a stationery store looking for a container for a letter, you ask for a fūtō.

Standard Sizes: Common sizes include Naga-3 (長3), which fits an A4 sheet folded in three, and Kaku-2 (角2), which fits an A4 sheet without folding. Knowing these terms is helpful when shopping at a convenience store or post office.

When using a fūtō, the sealing process is also important. While many modern envelopes have adhesive strips, traditionally, one would use glue or a sticker. For formal correspondence, writing the character '〆' (shime) across the flap seal indicates that the envelope has been securely closed and not tampered with. This small detail is a hallmark of Japanese postal etiquette that learners should notice.

Using 封筒 (fūtō) in a sentence is relatively straightforward as it functions as a standard noun. However, the verbs associated with it are specific. To put something into an envelope, we use the verb ireru (入れる). To seal it, we use tojiru (閉じる) or fū wo suru (封をする). To open it, we use akeru (開ける).

Grammar Pattern: Object + Particle: Since fūtō is a physical object, it is usually followed by the object marker 'wo' (を) or the destination marker 'ni' (に) when something is going inside it.

大きい封筒はありますか？ (Ōkii fūtō wa arimasu ka?) - Do you have a large envelope?

When describing the contents or the state of the envelope, you might use adjectives. For example, chairoi fūtō (brown envelope) often refers to standard kraft paper envelopes used for business or official documents, whereas shiroi fūtō (white envelope) is often used for more formal or personal letters. In a business context, you might hear henshinyō fūtō (返信用封筒), which means a self-addressed stamped envelope provided for a reply.

In more complex sentences, you can use fūtō as part of a compound noun. For instance, fūtō-ate (封筒宛) refers to the address written on the envelope. If you are at a post office, you might say, 'Fūtō ni kitte wo harimashita' (I stuck a stamp on the envelope). Note the use of the particle 'ni' here to indicate the surface where the stamp is placed.

Common Verb Pairings: 1. 封筒を買う (fūtō wo kau) - To buy an envelope. 2. 封筒に宛名を書く (fūtō ni atena wo kaku) - To write the recipient's name on the envelope. 3. 封筒をのりで貼る (fūtō wo nori de haru) - To seal the envelope with glue.

Finally, when receiving mail, you might say 'fūtō ga yaburete iru' (the envelope is torn) if it arrived in bad condition. This uses the intransitive verb yabureru to describe the state of the object. Understanding these various grammatical connections allows you to use 'fūtō' naturally in dozens of everyday situations, from the office to the stationary aisle.

You will encounter the word 封筒 (fūtō) in several specific locations and contexts in Japan. The most common place is the **Post Office (郵便局 - yūbinkyoku)**. Here, staff might ask you what size envelope you need or if you have already sealed it. You will see signs for different sizes and types of envelopes available for purchase at the counter.

At the Convenience Store (Konbini): In the stationery section of any 7-Eleven or Lawson, you will see packs of envelopes labeled as 封筒. They are usually sold in sets of 10 or 20. If you can't find them, asking 'Fūtō wa doko desu ka?' (Where are the envelopes?) is a classic learner's phrase.

コンビニで封筒を買ってきます。 (Konbini de fūtō wo katte kimasu.) - I'll go buy some envelopes at the convenience store.

In an **Office Setting**, fūtō is heard daily. Administrative assistants might ask you to put a contract in a company-branded envelope (shamei-iri fūtō). You'll hear phrases like 'Fūtō ni irete oite kudasai' (Please put it in an envelope and leave it). Business culture in Japan still relies heavily on physical mail for invoices, contracts, and formal announcements, making this word essential for anyone working in a Japanese company.

Another unique context is **Social Ceremonies**. During weddings, funerals, or New Year's, the word fūtō might be used generally to refer to the decorative envelopes used for money. While 'shugi-bukuro' is the specific term, a friend might ask, 'Fūtō motteru?' (Do you have an envelope?) if they forgot to bring one for the cash gift. This highlights the word's versatility as a general term for any paper container for documents or flat items.

In Literature and Media: In mystery novels or dramas, a 'mysterious envelope' (nazo no fūtō) is a common trope. It might contain a secret photograph or a threatening letter. Hearing 'fūtō' in these contexts adds a sense of tangible mystery to the plot.

Lastly, you'll see the word online when shopping for stationery. Websites like Amazon Japan or Rakuten have entire categories dedicated to fūtō, divided by material (washi vs. western paper), size, and color. Even in the digital age, the physical presence of the 'fūtō' remains a symbol of formal and thoughtful communication in Japanese society.

One of the most common mistakes learners make with 封筒 (fūtō) is confusing it with the word for the letter itself, which is **手紙 (tegami)**. While in English we might loosely say 'I sent an envelope' when we mean the whole package, in Japanese, fūtō specifically refers to the container. If you say 'Fūtō wo kakimashita' (I wrote an envelope), a Japanese speaker might think you literally wrote all over the envelope's surface rather than writing the letter inside.

Confusion with 'Fukuro': Learners often confuse 'fūtō' with 'fukuro' (袋), which means bag. While an envelope is a type of bag, 'fukuro' is used for shopping bags or trash bags. Use 'fūtō' exclusively for paper containers meant for documents or letters.

❌ 封筒を書きました。 (Fūtō wo kakimashita.)
✅ 手紙を書いて、封筒に入れました。 (Tegami wo kaite, fūtō ni iremashita.)

Another mistake involves the kanji. The first kanji 封 (fū) is often confused with 対 (tai) or 邦 (hō) because they look similar. However, 封 specifically has the '寸' (sun/inch) radical on the right, which historically related to the measurement of the seal. Mixing these up can lead to writing errors in formal correspondence, which is highly scrutinized in Japanese business culture.

Regarding etiquette, a common mistake is using the wrong size or color of fūtō for formal occasions. Sending a condolence letter in a bright, decorative envelope, or a wedding gift in a plain brown business envelope, is a major social faux pas. In Japan, the 'fūtō' is the first thing the recipient sees, and it sets the tone for the entire interaction. Learners should be aware that the 'envelope' is not just a wrapper, but a part of the message itself.

Particle Errors: Don't forget the particle 'ni' when putting things inside. 'Fūtō wo tegami ni ireru' is backwards (putting the envelope into the letter). It must be 'Tegami wo fūtō ni ireru'.

Finally, when writing the address, many learners forget to include the zip code in the designated red boxes at the top of many Japanese envelopes. While the mail will likely still arrive, leaving these blank or writing outside them is considered slightly careless. Always look for the '郵便番号' (yūbin bangō) section on the fūtō to ensure your mail is processed correctly.

While 封筒 (fūtō) is the general term for an envelope, Japanese has several specific words that overlap or provide alternatives depending on the context. Understanding these nuances will help you sound more like a native speaker and avoid using a term that is too broad or too specific.

封筒 (Fūtō) vs. 袋 (Fukuro): 'Fūtō' is specifically for paper containers for documents/letters. 'Fukuro' is a generic word for bag (plastic, paper, or cloth). However, in compounds like 'shugi-bukuro' (gift envelope), 'fukuro' is used because the item is more like a decorative pouch than a standard mailing envelope.

返信用封筒を同封しました。 (Henshinyō fūtō wo dōfū shimashita.) - I have enclosed a return envelope.

Another related word is **便箋 (binsen)**. While fūtō is the envelope, binsen is the stationery or letter paper you write on. They are often sold together as a **レターセット (retā setto)**. If you tell someone you are going to buy 'fūtō', they might ask if you also need 'binsen'.

In business, you might encounter **書留 (kakitome)**, which refers to registered mail. While not a synonym for envelope, it is a category of mail that often requires a specific type of fūtō or handling. Similarly, **封書 (fūsho)** is a more formal or literary word for a sealed letter, encompassing both the envelope and its contents as a single unit.

Comparison Table

封筒 (Fūtō): The physical envelope (general).
袋 (Fukuro): Bag/Pouch (used in gift envelope names).
便箋 (Binsen): The letter paper itself.
封書 (Fūsho): A sealed letter (formal term).
ポチ袋 (Pochi-bukuro): Small envelope for tips or New Year's money.

Finally, for those sending items abroad, the term **国際郵便 (kokusai yūbin)** or **EMS** might be used. You would ask for an 'EMS fūtō' or 'EMS pack' at the post office. By knowing these alternatives, you can navigate the complex world of Japanese stationery and postal services with much greater confidence.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

Before paper envelopes became standard in the Meiji era, Japanese people used 'fukusa' (cloth wraps) or simply folded the letter paper in a complex way called 'origami' to act as its own envelope.

Guide de prononciation

UK fuːtoː

US fuːtoʊ

Heiban (Flat) pitch accent in standard Japanese, where the pitch stays relatively level after the first syllable.

Rime avec

Kyōtō (Head teacher) Kōtō (High level) Bōtō (Beginning) Sōtō (Considerable) Tōtō (Finally) Chōtō (Long sword) Kōtō (Oral) Shōtō (Small light)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing it as 'futo' (short u), which means 'suddenly'.
Pronouncing it as 'fūtō' with a rising pitch on the last syllable incorrectly.
Forgetting the long vowel sounds entirely.
Confusing 'fū' with 'hū' (though in Japanese they are usually the same sound, learners sometimes make the 'f' too strong).
Misplacing the stress on the first syllable.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 3/5

Kanji is slightly complex for beginners but very common.

Écriture 4/5

The kanji for 'tō' (筒) has many strokes.

Expression orale 2/5

Easy to pronounce once the long vowels are mastered.

Écoute 2/5

Distinctive sound, easy to pick out in context.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

手紙 (Letter) 紙 (Paper) 書く (Write) 入れる (Put in) 切手 (Stamp)

Apprends ensuite

宛名 (Address) 郵便番号 (Zip code) ポスト (Mailbox) 速達 (Express mail) 便箋 (Stationery)

Avancé

封印 (Seal/Stamp) 親展 (Confidential) 同封 (Enclosure) 開封 (Opening) 書簡 (Correspondence)

Grammaire à connaître

Particle 'ni' for Destination

封筒に手紙を入れる。

Particle 'de' for Means/Tool

封筒で書類を送る。

Adjective + Noun

白い封筒。

Counter 'mai' for flat objects

封筒を二枚ください。

Compound Nouns

茶封筒 (Brown + Envelope).

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Exemples par niveau

封筒をください。

Please give me an envelope.

Uses the object marker 'wo' with the verb 'kudasai' (please give).

これは封筒です。

This is an envelope.

Basic A is B structure.

封筒はどこですか？

Where is the envelope?

Question form using 'doko' (where).

小さい封筒があります。

There is a small envelope.

Adjective 'chiisai' modifying the noun 'fūtō'.

封筒を一つ買いました。

I bought one envelope.

Using the counter 'hitotsu' for one object.

青い封筒ですね。

It's a blue envelope, isn't it?

Adjective 'aoi' and the particle 'ne' for confirmation.

封筒と切手が必要です。

I need an envelope and a stamp.

Uses 'to' (and) and 'hitsuyō' (necessary).

この封筒は安いです。

This envelope is cheap.

Adjective 'yasui' describing the noun.

手紙を封筒に入れました。

I put the letter in the envelope.

Verb 'ireru' (to put in) with particle 'ni'.

封筒に住所を書きます。

I will write the address on the envelope.

Particle 'ni' indicates the location of the writing.

コンビニで封筒を売っていますか？

Do they sell envelopes at the convenience store?

Verb 'uru' in the te-iru form for ongoing state/availability.

封筒の口を閉じました。

I closed the flap of the envelope.

'Kuchi' (mouth) refers to the opening of the envelope.

きれいな封筒で送りたいです。

I want to send it in a pretty envelope.

Volitional form 'tai' (want to) with the particle 'de' (using).

封筒がありませんから、買わなければなりません。

Since I don't have an envelope, I must buy one.

Reasoning with 'kara' and obligation 'nakereba narimasen'.

その封筒は少し大きすぎます。

That envelope is a little too big.

Verb stem + 'sugiru' (too much/excessive).

封筒をのりで貼ってください。

Please seal the envelope with glue.

Particle 'de' indicates the tool (glue).

返信用封筒を同封するのを忘れないでください。

Please don't forget to enclose a return envelope.

Verb 'dōfū suru' (to enclose) and negative command 'naide kudasai'.

この書類は角2の封筒に入れてください。

Please put these documents in a Kaku-2 envelope.

Specific envelope size 'Kaku-2' (A4 size).

封筒の裏に自分の名前を書きましたか？

Did you write your own name on the back of the envelope?

'Ura' means the back side.

茶封筒はビジネスでよく使われます。

Brown envelopes are often used in business.

Passive voice 'tsukawaremasu' (is used).

窓付き封筒なら、宛名を書く手間が省けます。

If it's a window envelope, you can save the trouble of writing the address.

Conditional 'nara' and 'tema ga habukeru' (save effort).

封筒をハサミで丁寧に開けました。

I opened the envelope carefully with scissors.

Adverb 'teinei ni' (carefully).

郵便局で速達用の封筒を買いました。

I bought an envelope for express mail at the post office.

'Sokutatsu-yō' (for express delivery).

封筒の重さを量ってもらえますか？

Could you weigh the envelope for me?

Benefactive form 'te morau' (receive the favor of).

封筒に「親展」とスタンプが押してあります。

The envelope is stamped with 'Confidential' (Shinten).

State of being with 'te aru'.

重要な契約書なので、厚手の封筒を使いましょう。

Since it's an important contract, let's use a thick envelope.

'Atsude' (thick/heavy-duty) and volitional 'mashō'.

封筒の綴じ目に「〆」と書くのがマナーです。

It is good manners to write '〆' across the seal of the envelope.

'Tojime' (the seam/seal) and 'manā' (manners).

宛名ラベルを封筒に真っ直ぐ貼ってください。

Please stick the address label straight onto the envelope.

Adverb 'massugu' (straight).

封筒のサイズが定形外だと、送料が高くなります。

If the envelope size is non-standard, the shipping cost will be higher.

'Teikeigai' (non-standard size) and conditional 'to'.

履歴書を郵送する際は、白い封筒を使用するのが一般的です。

When mailing a resume, it is common to use a white envelope.

Formal 'sai' (when) and 'ippanteki' (common/general).

封筒が途中で破れないように、テープで補強しました。

I reinforced the envelope with tape so it wouldn't tear along the way.

'Yaburenai yō ni' (in order not to tear) and 'hokyō' (reinforcement).

この封筒には請求書が同封されています。

An invoice is enclosed in this envelope.

Passive form 'dōfū sarete iru'.

格式高い手紙には、和紙の封筒が相応しい。

For a high-status letter, a washi (Japanese paper) envelope is appropriate.

'Kakushiki-takai' (high-status) and 'fusawashii' (appropriate).

封筒の質感が、送り主の誠実さを物語っている。

The texture of the envelope speaks to the sender's sincerity.

'Shitsukan' (texture) and 'monogatatte iru' (tells a story/speaks to).

万年筆のインクが封筒に滲まないよう注意した。

I was careful so that the fountain pen ink wouldn't bleed on the envelope.

'Nijimanai yō' (so it doesn't bleed).

その封筒は、長年の歳月を経て茶色く変色していた。

The envelope had turned brown with the passage of many years.

'Saigetsu wo hete' (through the years) and 'hensoku' (discoloration).

封筒の開封跡から、誰かが中身を見たことが分かった。

From the marks of the envelope being opened, it was clear someone had seen the contents.

'Kaifū-ato' (opening marks).

特注の封筒には、家紋が透かしで入っている。

The custom-made envelopes have a family crest as a watermark.

'Tokuchū' (custom-made) and 'sukashi' (watermark).

封筒一通にも、日本の「包む」文化の精神が宿っている。

Even in a single envelope, the spirit of Japan's 'wrapping' culture resides.

Counter 'isshū' for letters/envelopes and 'yadoru' (to dwell/reside).

彼は、封筒の裏に走り書きされたメッセージを見逃さなかった。

He did not miss the message scribbled on the back of the envelope.

'Hashirigaki' (scribble/scrawl).

封筒という物理的な媒体が、デジタル時代において新たな価値を帯び始めている。

The physical medium of the envelope is beginning to take on new value in the digital age.

'Butsuriteki-na baitai' (physical medium) and 'achi-hajimeru' (start to take on).

封筒の封を解く瞬間の高揚感は、メールの受信箱を開くそれとは本質的に異なる。

The excitement of unsealing an envelope is essentially different from opening an email inbox.

'Fū wo toku' (unseal) and 'kōyōkan' (excitement/uplifted feeling).

文豪たちの書簡集を紐解くと、封筒の選び方一つにも彼らの個性が滲み出ている。

When examining the collected letters of great writers, their personalities seep through even in the choice of an envelope.

'Himotoku' (to read/unroll a scroll) and 'nijimi-deru' (to ooze out/reveal).

その封筒は、秘められた情念を封じ込めるかのように、固く閉じられていた。

The envelope was tightly closed, as if to seal away hidden passions.

'Jōnen' (passion/sentiment) and 'fūjikomeru' (to seal in/confine).

公文書における封筒の形式は、国家の権威と秩序を象徴するものである。

The format of envelopes in official documents symbolizes the authority and order of the state.

'Kōbunsho' (official document) and 'shōchō' (symbolize).

手漉き和紙の封筒に込められた職人の技が、言葉以上の重みを添える。

The craftsman's skill embedded in a handmade washi envelope adds a weight beyond words.

'Tesuki-washi' (handmade Japanese paper) and 'omomi wo soeru' (add weight/significance).

封筒の宛名書きに費やされる時間は、相手への敬意の表れに他ならない。

The time spent writing the address on an envelope is nothing less than an expression of respect for the recipient.

'...ni hokanaranai' (is nothing but...).

往復封筒という形式は、返信を促すと同時に、相手への配慮を示す合理的な発明である。

The format of the return-trip envelope is a rational invention that encourages a reply while showing consideration for the recipient.

'Ōfuku-fūtō' (return-trip envelope) and 'hairyo' (consideration).

Collocations courantes

封筒に入れる

封筒を開ける

茶封筒

返信用封筒

封筒の宛名

定形封筒

封筒の裏

窓付き封筒

厚手の封筒

封筒を閉じる

Phrases Courantes

封筒に入れて送る

— To send something inside an envelope.

写真を封筒に入れて送ります。

封筒のサイズ

— Envelope size.

封筒のサイズを選んでください。

封筒に切手を貼る

— To put a stamp on the envelope.

封筒に84円切手を貼った。

封筒を表にする

— To turn the envelope face up.

封筒を表にして置いてください。

封筒の予備

— Spare envelopes.

封筒の予備はありますか？

一通の封筒

— One single envelope.

机の上に一通の封筒があった。

封筒を封じる

— To seal the envelope.

しっかり封筒を封じてください。

封筒が届く

— An envelope arrives.

昨日、封筒が届きました。

封筒の中身

— The contents of the envelope.

封筒の中身を確認してください。

封筒を買ってくる

— To go and buy an envelope.

ちょっと封筒を買ってきます。

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封筒 vs 手紙 (Tegami)

Tegami is the letter; fūtō is the envelope.

封筒 vs 袋 (Fukuro)

Fukuro is a general bag; fūtō is specifically for letters.

封筒 vs 筒 (Tsutsu)

Tsutsu is a tube; fūtō contains this kanji but is the whole word for envelope.

Expressions idiomatiques

"封筒を厚くする"

— To stuff an envelope (usually with money) to make it thick, often implying a bribe or a large gift.

彼は封筒を厚くして渡した。

Informal/Dark

"封を切る"

— To open a letter/envelope; to start reading something.

やっと封を切る決心をした。

Standard

"封印を解く"

— To break the seal; to reveal a secret.

封印を解かれた封筒。

Literary

"封じ込める"

— To seal something in; to suppress emotions.

想いを封筒に封じ込める。

Metaphorical

"封を切らずに"

— Without opening the envelope.

封を切らずに捨てた。

Standard

"手紙は封筒に入れて"

— Metaphor for following proper procedure/etiquette.

礼儀として手紙は封筒に入れて出すべきだ。

Proverbial

"宛名のない封筒"

— An envelope with no address; something anonymous or mysterious.

宛名のない封筒が届いた。

Literary

"封筒の裏まで"

— Thoroughly; checking every corner.

封筒の裏まで調べた。

Standard

"同封の通り"

— As enclosed.

詳細は同封の通りです。

Formal/Business

"封筒一枚で"

— With just a single letter (implying a simple notice).

封筒一枚で解雇された。

Standard

Facile à confondre

封筒 vs 布 (Nuno)

Sounds slightly similar to 'fū'.

Nuno means cloth, fū means seal.

布の袋 (Cloth bag).

封筒 vs 太い (Futoi)

Sounds like 'futo'.

Futoi is an adjective for 'thick/fat'.

太いペン。

封筒 vs 便箋 (Binsen)

Often used together.

Binsen is the paper you write on.

便箋に書く。

封筒 vs 小包 (Kozutsumi)

Both are mail.

Kozutsumi is a parcel or small package.

小包を送る。

封筒 vs 葉書 (Hagaki)

Both are mail.

Hagaki is a postcard and doesn't need an envelope.

年賀葉書。

Structures de phrases

[Noun] はありますか？

封筒はありますか？

[Object] を [Noun] に入れる。

手紙を封筒に入れる。

[Noun] を [Verb-te] ください。

封筒を買ってきてください。

[Noun] に [Object] を貼る。

封筒に切手を貼る。

[Noun] の [Location] に [Object] を書く。

封筒の裏に住所を書く。

[Noun] が [Verb-te] いる。

封筒が破れている。

[Noun] を通じて [Verb]。

封筒を通じて想いを伝える。

[Noun] という [Concept]。

封筒という文化。

Famille de mots

Noms

封 (Seal)

筒 (Tube)

封書 (Sealed letter)

同封 (Enclosure)

Verbes

封じる (To seal)

封入する (To enclose/insert)

開封する (To open a letter)

Adjectifs

封鎖された (Sealed off/Blocked)

Apparenté

郵便 (Mail)

切手 (Stamp)

宛名 (Address)

便箋 (Stationery)

ポスト (Mailbox)

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Extremely high in daily and business life.

Erreurs courantes

Using 'fukuro' instead of 'fūtō' for a letter. → 封筒 (fūtō)
Fukuro is for shopping bags; fūtō is for letters.
Writing 'Fūtō wo kaku' to mean writing a letter. → 手紙を書く (Tegami wo kaku)
You write a letter, you don't 'write' an envelope (unless you mean the address).
Using a brown envelope for a wedding gift. → 祝儀袋 (Shugi-bukuro)
Brown envelopes are too casual/business-like for celebrations.
Putting the stamp on the wrong side. → Left side for vertical, top left for horizontal.
Japanese postal rules have specific locations for stamps.
Pronouncing it 'futo'. → Fūtō (long vowels)
Short vowels change the meaning to 'suddenly'.

Astuces

Color Choice

Always use a white envelope for formal or respectful letters. Brown envelopes are for casual business or internal documents.

Address Placement

On vertical envelopes, ensure the recipient's name is larger than the address to show respect.

The Shime Mark

Writing '〆' over the seal is a nice touch that shows you know Japanese customs.

Return Envelopes

If you need a reply, always include a 'henshinyō fūtō' with your address and a stamp already on it.

100-Yen Shop

Daiso and Seria have a huge variety of 'fūtō' for much cheaper than convenience stores.

No Folds

For important contracts, use a Kaku-2 envelope so the paper doesn't have to be folded.

Zip Code Boxes

Always try to write the zip code numbers inside the red boxes if they are provided on the envelope.

Money Etiquette

When giving money, use a new, crisp bill and place it facing forward in the envelope.

Kanji Radical

Notice the bamboo radical in 'tō' (筒). This helps you remember it was originally a bamboo tube.

Counter Choice

Use 'mai' for the physical object and 'tsū' for the letter being sent.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'Food Toe' (Fūtō). Imagine you are mailing a tiny piece of food to your toe inside a paper envelope.

Association visuelle

Imagine the 'fū' (封) kanji as a gate with a measurement (寸) next to it, sealing something in. The 'tō' (筒) has the bamboo radical (⺮) on top, representing the tube.

Word Web

Mail Letter Stamp Address Paper Glue Seal Post Office

Défi

Go to a Japanese convenience store and try to find the 'fūtō' section without asking for help. Then, identify three different sizes.

Origine du mot

Composed of 封 (fū - to seal) and 筒 (tō - tube). In ancient China and Japan, documents were often rolled into scrolls and placed inside protective bamboo tubes (筒) which were then sealed (封) for delivery.

Sens originel : A sealed tube for transporting scrolls.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Contexte culturel

Never use a 'condolence' envelope (with black and white ribbons) for a happy occasion, and vice versa. It is a major insult.

Western envelopes are usually horizontal. Japanese envelopes are often vertical (Nagagata).

The 'Yellow Envelope' in Japanese detective dramas often contains a bribe. Studio Ghibli films often show beautifully hand-addressed envelopes. The 'Red Envelope' (shugi-bukuro) is iconic for Japanese weddings.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

At the Post Office

封筒をください。
切手はどこに貼りますか？
中身は何ですか？
この封筒で送れますか？

In the Office

返信用封筒を入れておきました。
茶封筒はありますか？
宛名を印刷してください。
封筒を閉じてください。

At a Stationery Store

レターセットはどこですか？
無地の封筒を探しています。
和紙の封筒はありますか？
10枚入りの封筒。

Giving a Gift

お祝いの封筒。
ポチ袋にお金を入れる。
封筒に名前を書く。
きれいな封筒で渡す。

Receiving Mail

封筒が届いた。
封筒を開ける。
誰からの封筒？
封筒が破れている。

Amorces de conversation

"その封筒、どこで買ったんですか？ (Where did you buy that envelope?)"

"返信用封筒は必要ですか？ (Do you need a return envelope?)"

"封筒に切手を貼るのを忘れました！ (I forgot to put a stamp on the envelope!)"

"このサイズの封筒、ポストに入りますか？ (Will this size envelope fit in the mailbox?)"

"一番きれいな封筒はどれだと思いますか？ (Which envelope do you think is the prettiest?)"

Sujets d'écriture

今日、大切な手紙を封筒に入れました。誰に送りましたか？ (Today, I put an important letter in an envelope. Who did I send it to?)

コンビニで封筒を買うとき、どのサイズを選びますか？ (When you buy envelopes at a convenience store, which size do you choose?)

手書きの封筒をもらったとき、どう感じますか？ (How do you feel when you receive a hand-addressed envelope?)

封筒の「〆」マークについて、どう思いますか？ (What do you think about the 'shime' mark on envelopes?)

最近、封筒を使って何かを送りましたか？ (Have you sent anything using an envelope recently?)

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

The 'Naga-3' (長3) size is very common for standard letters as it fits A4 paper folded into thirds.

You can buy them at post offices, convenience stores, 100-yen shops, and stationery stores.

Yes, many traditional envelopes require glue or a sticker, though 'peel-and-stick' versions are becoming common.

It is the character for 'shime' and indicates that the envelope has been sealed and not opened.

It's better to use a white or decorative envelope for personal thank-you letters; brown is for business/official use.

Write the zip code at the top, the address vertically on the right, and the name in the center.

Yes, 'Shugi-bukuro' for celebrations and 'Pochi-bukuro' for small gifts or tips.

It is called 'mado-tsuki fūtō' (窓付き封筒).

Usually, 'fūtō' implies paper. Plastic mailers might be called 'pura-fūtō' or simply 'binīru-bukuro'.

It's not recommended. In Japan, you usually write your address on the back (ura) of the envelope.

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