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A2 noun #6,500 よく出る 14分で読める

小包

kozutsumi 上位6,500

練習する例文メモとヒント小包 30秒で

解説小包 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should think of 小包 (kozutsumi) as 'a box in the mail.' You don't need to know all the complex postal regulations yet. Just focus on the fact that it is a noun for a package. You might use it in very simple sentences like 'Kozutsumi desu' (It's a parcel) when you are at the post office or when someone brings a box to your door. At this stage, it's helpful to associate the word with the physical action of pointing at a box. You should learn it alongside basic verbs like 'arrived' (todokimashita) and 'send' (okurimasu). Even if you can't form long sentences, knowing this word will help you understand what a delivery person is saying when they stand at your Genkan (entrance). It's one of those 'survival' nouns for living in Japan because delivery is such a huge part of the culture. Remember the kanji 小 (small) which you likely already know, and try to recognize the second kanji 包 as 'wrapping.' This mental image of a 'small wrap' will help you remember the meaning easily. Don't worry about the difference between 'nimotsu' and 'kozutsumi' too much yet; if you say 'kozutsumi' for a box, people will understand you perfectly.

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At the A2 level, you are expected to use 小包 (kozutsumi) in more complete sentences and understand its specific context within the postal system. You should be able to describe where a parcel came from or who you are sending it to using particles like 'kara' (from) and 'ni' (to). For example, 'Haha kara kozutsumi ga todokimashita' (A parcel arrived from my mother). You should also begin to distinguish 'kozutsumi' from 'nimotsu' (general luggage). A2 learners should be comfortable using this word at a post office counter to ask about prices or shipping methods, such as 'Kozutsumi o okuritai desu' (I want to send a parcel). You might also start using adjectives to describe the parcel, such as 'ookii' (large) or 'omoi' (heavy). Understanding the basic flow of receiving a package—getting a delivery notice (fuzai-hyō) and asking for a 'kozutsumi'—is a key practical skill at this level. You should also be able to recognize the word in simple written instructions or emails from online shops. This word is a bridge to more complex logistical Japanese.

By the B1 level, you should be able to handle more complex situations involving 小包 (kozutsumi), such as dealing with a lost package or discussing shipping options like airmail (kōkū-bin) versus sea mail (fune-bin). You should understand the nuances of transitive and intransitive verbs associated with parcels, such as 'uketoru' (to receive) versus 'todoku' (to arrive). B1 learners should also be aware of the honorific and humble forms often used by postal staff, such as 'o-kozutsumi' or 'o-nimotsu.' You should be able to explain the contents of a parcel for customs purposes, using phrases like 'Kozutsumi no nakami wa hon desu' (The contents of the parcel are books). At this level, you can also start using the word in more abstract or social contexts, such as discussing the cultural tradition of sending seasonal parcels to relatives. You should be able to read and fill out a 'kozutsumi' shipping label (okurijō) with relative ease, including the sender and recipient addresses. Your vocabulary should also include related terms like 'tsuiseki-bangō' (tracking number) to manage your 'kozutsumi' deliveries online.

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At the B2 level, you should have a firm grasp of 小包 (kozutsumi) in professional and formal contexts. You can discuss logistics, supply chains, and postal regulations using this term. You should understand the legal and administrative implications of 'kozutsumi,' such as prohibited items (kinshi-butsu) and insurance (hoken). B2 learners should be able to compare different shipping services in detail, discussing the pros and cons of 'kozutsumi' versus 'takuhaibin' services in terms of cost, speed, and reliability. You can also use the word in more complex grammatical structures, such as 'Kozutsumi ga todoki shidai, renraku shimasu' (I will contact you as soon as the parcel arrives). In literature or news reports, you should be able to follow discussions about postal service strikes, price hikes for parcels, or the environmental impact of increased delivery volumes. Your understanding of the word should extend to its historical development and its role in the Japanese economy. You should also be comfortable using specialized compounds like 'kokusai kozutsumi' (international parcel) and understanding the specific weight and size limits associated with different 'kozutsumi' categories.

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At the C1 level, your understanding of 小包 (kozutsumi) should be near-native, including its use in literary, historical, and highly technical contexts. You should be able to appreciate the subtle emotional weight the word can carry in Japanese literature, often symbolizing distance, longing, or the connection between a rural hometown and an urban center. You can discuss the nuances between 'kozutsumi' and its synonyms in various dialects or historical periods. In a business or legal setting, you can navigate complex contracts related to shipping and parcel handling. You should be able to speak fluently about the evolution of the Japanese postal system and the impact of e-commerce on the definition of a 'kozutsumi.' Your vocabulary should include rare or highly specific terms related to parcel handling, such as 'konpō furyō' (poor packaging) or 'haitatsu funō' (undeliverable). You can also engage in high-level debates about the privatization of the postal service (yūsei minkanka) and how it affected 'kozutsumi' services. At this level, the word is not just a noun but a window into Japanese societal structures and history.

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At the C2 level, you possess a mastery of 小包 (kozutsumi) that allows you to use it with perfect precision across all registers. You can use the word in sophisticated metaphors or puns and understand its use in archaic texts or specialized postal law. You are aware of the most subtle connotations, such as how the choice of 'kozutsumi' over 'nimotsu' in a specific sentence can alter the entire tone of a conversation or a piece of writing. You can analyze the etymological roots of the word and its relationship to other 'wrap-based' words in the Japanese language. In a professional capacity, you could write white papers on logistics or postal policy using 'kozutsumi' with absolute authority. You are also familiar with the international treaties (like the Universal Postal Union) that govern 'kokusai kozutsumi' and can discuss these topics in Japanese. Your command of the word is such that you can intuitively sense when a speaker is using it to evoke a specific cultural nostalgia or to maintain a precise administrative distance. You are a master of the logistical lexicon.

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練習する例文メモとヒント

小包 30秒で

Kozutsumi means 'parcel' or 'package' specifically in a postal context.
It is composed of the kanji for 'small' (小) and 'wrap' (包).
Commonly used at the post office and in e-commerce delivery contexts.
Distinguished from 'nimotsu' (luggage) which refers to items you carry yourself.

The Japanese word 小包 (こづつみ - kozutsumi) is a quintessential noun that every learner should master early in their journey. Literally translated as 'small bundle' or 'small wrap,' it refers specifically to a parcel or package sent via a postal or delivery service. While the broader term 荷物 (nimotsu) can refer to any kind of luggage, baggage, or load, 小包 carries a distinct nuance of being wrapped and prepared for transport through the mail system. Understanding when to use this word versus its synonyms is key to sounding natural in Japanese. In modern Japan, where the delivery infrastructure is incredibly sophisticated, you will encounter this word in post offices, online shopping confirmations, and when receiving gifts from family members living in different prefectures. The term evokes a sense of anticipation and the physical act of unwrapping something that has traveled a distance to reach you.

Postal Context: Used primarily when discussing items sent through Japan Post (JP) or international courier services. It implies a size that fits within standard shipping categories rather than bulk freight.
Domestic Life: Frequently used when receiving seasonal gifts (Oseibo or Ochugen) or care packages from parents, often called 'furusato no kozutsumi' (parcels from home).
Kanji Composition: The first kanji 小 (shō/chiisai) means 'small,' and the second 包 (hō/tsutsumu) means 'to wrap' or 'bundle.' Together, they describe the physical nature of a parcel.

郵便局で小包を出しました。
(I sent a parcel at the post office.)

Historically, the concept of a 'kozutsumi' dates back to the Edo period and the early Meiji era when the postal system was formalized. Before modern cardboard boxes became the standard, items were often wrapped in cloth (furoshiki) or heavy paper, which is where the 'wrap' (包) part of the word originates. In the contemporary era, while people might colloquially say 'pack' or 'package' in English, Japanese speakers remain quite specific. If you go to a post office (yūbinkyoku), you don't just ask to send a 'thing'; you ask to send a 'kozutsumi'. This specificity helps the postal clerk immediately categorize your request into the parcel service rather than standard letter mail. It is also important to note that while 'kozutsumi' is the formal and technical term, commercial services like Yamato Transport use the term 'Takkyūbin' (express home delivery), but 'kozutsumi' remains the most versatile noun for the object itself.

海外へ小包を送るのは高いです。
(Sending a parcel abroad is expensive.)

When you are shopping online in Japan, the delivery status will often mention your 'kozutsumi' being dispatched. The word is functionally neutral, meaning it can be used for a small box of chocolates or a large box of electronics, provided it is being handled as a parcel. However, if the item is extremely large—like a refrigerator—the word 'kozutsumi' starts to feel slightly inappropriate, and 'haisō-butsu' (delivered item) or simply 'nimotsu' becomes more common. For learners at the A2 level, focusing on the post office context is the most practical application. You will need to know this word to fill out shipping labels (okurijō) and to understand the different rates for domestic versus international shipping. The word also appears in the term 'International Parcel' (kokusai kozutsumi), which is a specific service tier at Japan Post.

この小包の中身は何ですか？
(What are the contents of this parcel?)

Common Verbs: 小包を送る (okuru - to send), 小包を受け取る (uketoru - to receive), 小包が届く (todoku - to arrive).
Logistics: 小包の追跡 (tsuiseki - tracking), 小包の重さ (omasa - weight).

Using 小包 (kozutsumi) correctly involves pairing it with the right particles and verbs to describe the flow of goods. As a noun, it typically functions as the object of a sentence (followed by the particle を) or the subject (followed by が or は). Because 'kozutsumi' describes a physical object, it is often modified by adjectives describing its size, weight, or origin. For example, 'heavy parcel' is 重い小包 (omoi kozutsumi), and 'parcel from overseas' is 海外からの小包 (kaigai kara no kozutsumi). Mastering these combinations allows you to describe complex logistics with simple A2-level grammar structures.

昨日、母から大きな小包が届きました。
(Yesterday, a large parcel arrived from my mother.)

In this sentence, we see the most common pattern: [Source] から [Noun] が届く (todoku). The verb todoku is intransitive, meaning the parcel 'arrives' on its own. If you want to say you 'received' it, you would use the transitive verb uketoru: [Person] が [Noun] を受け取る. This distinction is vital for accurate communication. When you are the one initiating the action, such as sending a gift, you use okuru (to send) or dasu (to put out/send). For instance, 'I am going to send this parcel tomorrow' would be 明日、この小包を送ります (Ashita, kono kozutsumi o okurimasu). Note that in Japanese, you don't 'mail' a parcel using the word for letter (tegami); you always 'send' (okuru) the 'parcel' (kozutsumi).

Action: Sending: 小包を出す (Kozutsumi o dasu) - To post/send a parcel. This is very common at the post office counter.
Action: Receiving: 小包を受け取る (Kozutsumi o uketoru) - To pick up or receive a parcel from a delivery person.
Action: Preparing: 小包を梱包する (Kozutsumi o konpō suru) - To pack a parcel. This is a more formal/technical term for packing.

Furthermore, when discussing the state of the parcel, you might use adjectives like koware-yasui (fragile). A 'fragile parcel' is 壊れやすい小包 (koware-yasui kozutsumi). In a professional or customer service context, you might hear the honorific form お小包 (o-kozutsumi), although this is less common than adding 'o' to 'nimotsu'. However, the polite form 小包のほう (kozutsumi no hō) is often used by staff to refer to your package politely. If you need to inquire about a lost package, you would say: 私の小包がまだ届いていないのですが (Watashi no kozutsumi ga mada todoite inai no desu ga...), which translates to 'My parcel hasn't arrived yet...'

この小包を航空便で送りたいです。
(I want to send this parcel by airmail.)

In more advanced usage, 'kozutsumi' can be part of compound nouns. 小包郵便 (kozutsumi yūbin) refers to the parcel post service. 小包爆弾 (kozutsumi bakudan) is a darker term meaning 'parcel bomb,' illustrating that the word is used for any packaged item sent through the mail, regardless of content. For daily conversation, focus on the 'arrival' and 'sending' aspects. If you are staying at a hotel and expect a delivery, you can tell the front desk: 小包が届く予定です (Kozutsumi ga todoku yotei desu) - 'A parcel is scheduled to arrive.' This is a very helpful phrase for travelers.

友だちに誕生日の小包を用意しました。
(I prepared a birthday parcel for my friend.)

Attribute: Origin: 外国からの小包 (Gaikoku kara no kozutsumi) - A parcel from a foreign country.
Attribute: Destination: 実家宛ての小包 (Jikka ate no kozutsumi) - A parcel addressed to one's parents' home.

In Japan, you are most likely to hear the word 小包 (kozutsumi) in environments related to logistics and the postal service. The post office (郵便局 - yūbinkyoku) is the primary location. When you walk in with a box, the staff might point you to a specific counter by saying, 『小包はこちらの窓口です』 (Kozutsumi wa kochira no madoguchi desu), meaning 'Parcels are handled at this window.' This distinguishes you from people who are just buying stamps or sending simple letters. The word is deeply embedded in the administrative language of Japan Post, appearing on forms, digital displays, and signage. Even as private companies like Yamato or Sagawa dominate the market, 'kozutsumi' remains the standard term used in the national postal service's official nomenclature.

『すみません、この小包の送料はいくらですか？』
("Excuse me, how much is the shipping for this parcel?")

Another common place to hear this word is at the entrance of your home or apartment. When a delivery person (haitatsu-in) rings your doorbell, they often announce their presence by saying 『お荷物です！』 (O-nimotsu desu!), but if you ask for clarification, or if they are from Japan Post specifically, they might use 小包 (kozutsumi) or ゆうパック (Yū-pakku). In apartment buildings with delivery lockers (takuhaibako), the digital screen might display a notification saying 『小包が届いています』 (Kozutsumi ga todoite imasu). This is a common sight for urban dwellers in Japan, where missing a delivery is a frequent occurrence due to busy schedules.

At the Post Office: Hearing staff categorize items: 'Kore wa kozutsumi toshite atsukaimasu' (We will treat this as a parcel).
In Customer Support: Automated phone menus: 'Kozutsumi no saihaitatsu wa ichiban o oshite kudasai' (For parcel redelivery, press one).

In television dramas and movies, 'kozutsumi' is often used as a plot device. A mysterious parcel arriving at a character's door is a classic trope. In these contexts, the word is used to build suspense. Furthermore, in news broadcasts, when reporting on international trade or postal regulations, 'kozutsumi' is the formal term used by news anchors. For example, a report on increased shipping volumes during the holidays might mention 『小包の取扱件数が過去最高になりました』 (The number of parcels handled has reached a record high). This formal register highlights the word's status as a standard administrative term.

『小包の受け取りには印鑑かサインが必要です。』
("A seal or signature is required to receive the parcel.")

Lastly, you will see 'kozutsumi' in print and digital media. Invoices from vendors, shipping labels from Amazon Japan or Rakuten, and tracking apps all utilize this word. When tracking a package on your phone, the status 'Kozutsumi-machi' (Waiting for parcel) or 'Kozutsumi haisō-chū' (Parcel out for delivery) might appear. While 'nimotsu' is the casual king of 'stuff' and 'luggage,' 'kozutsumi' remains the technical king of the postal world. For a student, hearing this word should immediately trigger a 'postal/shipping' mental context.

マンションの宅配ボックスに小包が入っていました。
(There was a parcel in the apartment's delivery box.)

Announcement Style: 宅配便です！ (Takuhaibin desu!) vs 小包です (Kozutsumi desu). The former is more common for private couriers, the latter for the post office.
Signage: 『小包受付』 (Kozutsumi Uketsuke) - Parcel Reception Desk.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with 小包 (kozutsumi) is using it too broadly to mean 'any baggage.' In English, 'package' can sometimes be used interchangeably with 'bag' or 'luggage,' but in Japanese, 小包 is strictly for things sent through the mail. If you are carrying a suitcase at an airport and call it a 'kozutsumi,' a Japanese person will be confused. For personal belongings you carry with you, you must use 荷物 (nimotsu). Think of it this way: if it has a shipping label and a tracking number, it's a 小包. If you are holding it in your hand or it's in the trunk of your car, it's 荷物.

❌ 空港で小包を預けました。
✅ 空港で荷物を預けました。
(I checked my luggage at the airport.)

Another common error is confusing 小包 with 包み (tsutsumi). While they share the same kanji, tsutsumi refers to any wrapped object, like a gift wrapped in paper or a bundle of clothes. Kozutsumi specifically implies the postal context. You wouldn't call a beautifully wrapped birthday gift sitting on a table a 'kozutsumi' unless you were about to put it in a box to mail it. Furthermore, learners often struggle with the pronunciation of the 'zu' sound. It is こづつみ (ko-zu-tsu-mi), not 'ko-tsu-tsu-mi'. The 'zu' (づ) is a voiced version of 'tsu', and getting this right is essential for clarity.

Mistake: Digital Context: Do not use 'kozutsumi' for software packages or data packets. Use 'pakkēji' (パッケージ) or 'paketto' (パケット) instead.
Mistake: Over-Formality: While 'o-kozutsumi' exists, it sounds a bit archaic or overly polite. Stick to 'kozutsumi' or 'o-nimotsu' in daily life.
Mistake: Size Misconception: Despite the '小' (small), it can refer to quite large boxes. Don't avoid the word just because the box is big.

A subtle mistake involves the verb choice. In English, we 'order' a package. In Japanese, you order the contents (shōhin - product), and the kozutsumi is what arrives. You don't 'chūmon' (order) a 'kozutsumi' unless you are specifically ordering empty shipping boxes. Instead, say 『商品を注文したら、小包で届きました』 (I ordered the product, and it arrived as a parcel). Additionally, be careful with the particle ni versus o. You send a parcel to someone (人に小包を送る). Swapping these makes it sound like you are sending the person through the mail!

❌ 友だちを小包に送りました。
✅ 友だちに小包を送りました。
(I sent a parcel to my friend.)

Lastly, remember that kozutsumi is a noun, not a verb. You cannot 'kozutsumi-suru' to mean 'to parcel something up.' You must use konpō-suru (to pack) or kozutsumi ni suru (to make into a parcel). Understanding these boundaries—between luggage and mail, between the box and the wrapping, and between the object and the action—will elevate your Japanese from 'understandable' to 'precise'. Practice saying 'kozutsumi' alongside 'yūbinkyoku' to cement the association in your mind.

❌ この本を小包してください。
✅ この本を小包にしてください。
(Please make this book into a parcel [for shipping].)

While 小包 (kozutsumi) is the standard term for a parcel, Japanese has several other words that overlap in meaning. Understanding the nuances between these alternatives is crucial for navigating different social and professional settings. The most common alternative is 荷物 (nimotsu), which is a broad, catch-all term. Another frequent term is 宅配便 (takuhaibin), which refers to the express home delivery service itself but is often used to refer to the package being delivered. Then there are brand-specific names like ゆうパック (Yū-pakku) from Japan Post, which have become so common they are almost synonymous with 'kozutsumi' in casual conversation.

小包 (Kozutsumi) vs. 荷物 (Nimotsu): Kozutsumi: Specific to postal parcels. Formal and technical. Nimotsu: General baggage, luggage, or any carried items. 'Nimotsu' is much more common in daily speech.
小包 (Kozutsumi) vs. 宅配便 (Takuhaibin): Kozutsumi: Refers to the object (the parcel). Takuhaibin: Refers to the service (home delivery). People say 'Takuhaibin ga kita' to mean 'The delivery guy is here.'
小包 (Kozutsumi) vs. 包み (Tsutsumi): Kozutsumi: A parcel for shipping. Tsutsumi: Any wrapped bundle (could be a bento wrapped in cloth). Does not require a postal context.

重い荷物を持って歩くのは大変です。
(It's hard to walk while carrying heavy luggage [Nimotsu].)

In a commercial context, you might also encounter 商品 (shōhin), which means 'merchandise' or 'product.' When you receive a package from an online store, they might refer to it as 'shōhin' in their emails, even though it arrives as a 'kozutsumi.' For international shipping, the term EMS (International Express Mail) is frequently used as a noun itself. Instead of saying 'international parcel,' people often just say 'EMS o okuru.' Another specialized term is 郵便物 (yūbinbutsu), which is a formal collective noun for all 'postal matter,' including letters and parcels. If you see a sign that says 'Yūbinbutsu wa kochira,' it means all mail should go there.

For those sending small, flat items, the word 定形外郵便 (teikeigai yūbin) - non-standard size mail - is an alternative to 'kozutsumi.' It's cheaper but has different rules. There is also メール便 (mēru-bin), which is a service for thin parcels that can fit in a mailbox. Understanding these levels of shipping helps you choose the right word. If it's a box that won't fit in a mailbox, 'kozutsumi' is your best bet. If it's a small envelope with a thick item inside, 'mēru-bin' might be more accurate. In summary, 'kozutsumi' is your 'middle-ground' formal word for any box-shaped mail.

ゆうパックで送ったほうが安いです。
(It's cheaper to send it via Yu-Pack [a type of Kozutsumi].)

Register: Formal/Technical: 小包 (Kozutsumi), 郵便物 (Yūbinbutsu).
Register: Casual/Daily: 荷物 (Nimotsu), 宅配便 (Takuhaibin).
Register: Commercial/Service: ゆうパック (Yū-pakku), 宅急便 (Takkyūbin - Yamato brand).

How Formal Is It?

豆知識

Before cardboard boxes were common in Japan, 'kozutsumi' were often wrapped in 'furoshiki' (wrapping cloth) or 'washi' (Japanese paper) and tied with string. The 'wrap' kanji '包' is actually a pictograph of a fetus in a womb, symbolizing something carefully enclosed.

発音ガイド

UK /kəʊ.dzɯ.tsɯ.mi/

US /koʊ.dzɯ.tsɯ.mi/

Flat pitch accent (Heiban), meaning the pitch rises after the first syllable and stays high.

韻が合う語

Tsutsumi (wrapping) Natsumi (a name) Yasumi (rest/holiday) Tanoshimi (pleasure) Megumi (blessing) Kasumi (mist) Kurumi (walnut) Hitomi (pupil of the eye)

よくある間違い

Pronouncing 'dzu' as 'tsu'.
Pronouncing 'dzu' as 'zu' (the 'z' in 'zebra'). While acceptable in some dialects, 'dzu' is the standard.
Stressing the first syllable too heavily.
Confusing the 'tsu' and 'su' sounds.
Omitting the 'i' at the end.

難易度

読解 2/5

The kanji are relatively simple (JLPT N4/N3 level).

ライティング 3/5

Writing '包' correctly requires attention to stroke order.

スピーキング 2/5

The pronunciation is straightforward, but don't mix up 'zu' and 'tsu'.

リスニング 2/5

Easily recognizable in postal contexts.

次に学ぶべきこと

前提知識

小 (Small) 包む (To wrap) 荷物 (Luggage) 郵便局 (Post office) 送る (To send)

次に学ぶ

送料 (Shipping fee) 追跡 (Tracking) 梱包 (Packing) 宛名 (Recipient name) 配達 (Delivery)

上級

物流 (Logistics) 通関 (Customs clearance) 貨物 (Cargo) 転送 (Forwarding) 受領印 (Receipt seal)

知っておくべき文法

Particle 'Kara' for Source

母から小包が届いた。 (A parcel arrived FROM my mother.)

Particle 'Ni' for Recipient

友達に小包を送る。 (Send a parcel TO a friend.)

Transitive vs Intransitive

小包が届く (Arrives - Intransitive) vs 小包を届ける (Delivers - Transitive).

Particle 'De' for Means

船便で小包を送る。 (Send a parcel BY sea mail.)

Adjective Modifiers

重い小包 (Heavy parcel), 大きな小包 (Large parcel).

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レベル別の例文

これは小包です。

This is a parcel.

Basic 'A wa B desu' structure.

小包が届きました。

A parcel arrived.

Intransitive verb 'todoku' with subject particle 'ga'.

小包を送ります。

I will send a parcel.

Transitive verb 'okuru' with object particle 'o'.

郵便局で小包を出しました。

I sent a parcel at the post office.

Location particle 'de' and the verb 'dasu' (to send/put out).

小さな小包ですね。

It's a small parcel, isn't it?

Adjective 'chiisana' modifying the noun.

小包はどこですか？

Where is the parcel?

Question word 'doko' (where).

この小包は重いです。

This parcel is heavy.

Adjective 'omoi' (heavy).

母からの小包です。

It's a parcel from my mother.

Particle 'kara' (from) + 'no' (possessive/source).

昨日、大きな小包が届きました。

A large parcel arrived yesterday.

Time adverb 'kinō' and adjective 'ookina'.

この小包をイギリスへ送りたいです。

I want to send this parcel to the UK.

Desire form 'V-tai' with destination particle 'e'.

小包の中に何が入っていますか？

What is inside the parcel?

Location 'naka' (inside) and 'haitte imasu' (is inside).

小包の送料はいくらですか？

How much is the shipping fee for the parcel?

Noun 'sōryō' (shipping fee) connected by 'no'.

小包を受け取るためにサインをしました。

I signed to receive the parcel.

'V-tame ni' (in order to).

実家に小包を送りました。

I sent a parcel to my parents' home.

Destination particle 'ni'.

小包がまだ届いていません。

The parcel hasn't arrived yet.

Negative continuous form 'te-imasen'.

小包を梱包してください。

Please pack the parcel.

Request form 'V-te kudasai'.

小包を航空便で送ると、三日ぐらいで着きます。

If you send the parcel by airmail, it will arrive in about three days.

Conditional 'to' and duration 'gurai'.

壊れやすいものが入っているので、この小包を大切に扱ってください。

Since there are fragile items inside, please handle this parcel carefully.

Reasoning 'node' and adverb 'taisetsu ni'.

届いた小包が破れていました。

The parcel that arrived was torn.

Relative clause 'todoita' modifying 'kozutsumi'.

追跡番号を使って、小包がどこにあるか確認しました。

I used the tracking number to check where the parcel is.

Embedded question 'doko ni aru ka'.

中身が何か聞かれたので、小包の中身を説明しました。

I was asked what the contents were, so I explained the contents of the parcel.

Passive form 'kikareru' and reason 'node'.

小包のサイズを測ってから、郵便局へ行きました。

After measuring the size of the parcel, I went to the post office.

Sequence 'V-te kara'.

不在だったので、小包は持ち帰られました。

Since I wasn't home, the parcel was taken back (to the depot).

Passive form 'mochikaerareta'.

小包を実家に送るついでに、手紙も入れました。

While sending a parcel to my parents' home, I also included a letter.

'V-tsuide ni' (while doing X, also Y).

国際小包の規定が変更されたため、送料が高くなりました。

Because the regulations for international parcels were changed, shipping became more expensive.

Formal cause 'tame' and result 'narimashita'.

小包が紛失した場合の補償について教えてください。

Please tell me about the compensation in case the parcel is lost.

Conditional 'baai' (in case of).

この小包は関税がかかる可能性があります。

There is a possibility that this parcel will be subject to customs duties.

Noun 'kanzei' (customs duty) and 'kanōsei' (possibility).

小包の重さが制限を超えているので、二つに分けなければなりません。

Since the weight of the parcel exceeds the limit, it must be split into two.

Verb 'koeru' (exceed) and 'nakereba narimasen' (must).

配送業者は小包の取り扱いに細心の注意を払うべきです。

Delivery companies should pay the utmost attention to the handling of parcels.

Auxiliary 'beki' (should).

小包が届き次第、すぐに中身を確認してください。

As soon as the parcel arrives, please check the contents immediately.

Conjunction 'shidai' (as soon as).

小包の中身が申告内容と異なっているようです。

It seems the contents of the parcel differ from what was declared.

Comparison 'to kotonaru' and conjecture 'yō da'.

小包の配送状況をオンラインでリアルタイムに確認できます。

You can check the delivery status of the parcel online in real-time.

Potential verb 'kakunin dekimasu'.

近代日本の郵便制度において、小包の役割は非常に大きかった。

In modern Japan's postal system, the role of the parcel was extremely significant.

Formal 'ni oite' (in/at).

小包の梱包が不十分だったため、中身が破損してしまいました。

Because the packaging of the parcel was insufficient, the contents ended up damaged.

Adjective 'fujūbun' and regretful 'te-shimau'.

電子商取引の普及に伴い、小包の取扱件数は飛躍的に増加した。

With the spread of e-commerce, the number of parcels handled has increased exponentially.

'ni tomonai' (along with/as a result of).

小包の受取拒否は、送り主にとって大きな負担となります。

Refusing to accept a parcel becomes a significant burden for the sender.

Gerund 'uketori kyohi' as a subject.

故郷から届く小包は、都会で暮らす若者にとって心の支えである。

Parcels arriving from one's hometown are a source of emotional support for young people living in the city.

Metaphorical use of 'kokoro no sasae'.

小包の配送を巡る再配達問題は、社会的な課題となっている。

The redelivery issue surrounding parcel delivery has become a social challenge.

'o meguru' (surrounding/concerning).

万が一、小包が届かない場合は、速やかにカスタマーセンターへご連絡ください。

In the unlikely event that the parcel does not arrive, please contact the customer center promptly.

Idiom 'man-ga-ichi' (if by some chance).

小包のラベルには、詳細な内容品明細を記載する必要があります。

It is necessary to list a detailed description of the contents on the parcel label.

Noun 'kisai' (entry/listing) and 'hitsuyō ga aru'.

小包という言葉が喚起するノスタルジーは、現代の効率性重視の物流とは対照的である。

The nostalgia evoked by the word 'kozutsumi' stands in contrast to modern, efficiency-oriented logistics.

Abstract noun 'kanki' (evocation) and 'taishōteki' (contrastive).

万国郵便条約に基づき、国際小包の交換業務が円滑に行われている。

Based on the Universal Postal Convention, the exchange of international parcels is conducted smoothly.

'ni motozuki' (based on).

小包の未着を巡る法的な紛争は、時に複雑な国際私法の解釈を要する。

Legal disputes surrounding the non-arrival of parcels sometimes require complex interpretations of private international law.

Noun 'michaku' (non-arrival) and 'yōsuru' (require).

文学作品における小包は、しばしば不在の他者を象徴するメタファーとして機能する。

In literary works, the parcel often functions as a metaphor symbolizing the absent other.

Formal 'shibashiba' (frequently) and 'kinō suru' (function).

物流のラストワンマイルにおける小包の配送コスト削減が、業界の急務となっている。

Reducing the cost of parcel delivery in the 'last mile' of logistics has become an urgent task for the industry.

Business term 'kyūmu' (urgent task).

小包の梱包材の環境負荷を低減させるため、バイオプラスチックの導入が進んでいる。

To reduce the environmental impact of parcel packaging materials, the introduction of bioplastics is progressing.

Causative 'teigen saseru' (to make decrease).

小包の匿名配送サービスは、プライバシー保護の観点から高く評価されている。

Anonymous parcel delivery services are highly valued from the perspective of privacy protection.

'no kanten kara' (from the viewpoint of).

小包が内包する『未知なるもの』への期待感は、消費心理の根源的な要素である。

The sense of expectation for the 'unknown' contained within a parcel is a fundamental element of consumer psychology.

Verb 'naihō suru' (to contain/embody).

よく使う組み合わせ

小包を送る

小包が届く

小包を受け取る

小包を出す

小包の送料

国際小包

小包の追跡

小包を梱包する

小包の中身

小包のサイズ

よく使うフレーズ

小包郵便

— The parcel post service provided by the post office.

小包郵便で本を送りました。

ふるさとの小包

— A parcel containing local specialties sent from one's hometown.

ふるさとの小包にはリンゴが入っていた。

小包爆弾

— A parcel bomb (often used in news reports).

小包爆弾の事件がニュースになった。

小包受取人

— The recipient of a parcel.

小包受取人の名前を書いてください。

小包発送

— The shipping or dispatch of a parcel.

小包発送のお知らせが届いた。

小包取扱所

— A parcel handling office or agency.

近くの小包取扱所を探す。

小包のラベル

— The shipping label attached to a parcel.

小包のラベルを貼る。

小包の再配達

— The redelivery of a parcel.

小包の再配達を依頼する。

小包の紛失

— The loss of a parcel during transit.

小包の紛失について問い合わせる。

小包の到着

— The arrival of a parcel.

小包の到着を楽しみに待つ。

よく混同される語

小包 vs 荷物 (nimotsu)

Nimotsu is broader. Kozutsumi is strictly mail.

小包 vs 包み (tsutsumi)

Tsutsumi is any wrap. Kozutsumi is a parcel.

小包 vs 小袋 (kobukuro)

Kobukuro means a small bag/pouch, not a parcel.

慣用句と表現

"小包のように包まる"

— To curl up tightly like a parcel (often used for sleeping).

寒かったので、小包のように包まって寝た。

Casual

"贈り物のような小包"

— A parcel that feels like a gift (emphasizing the joy of receiving).

それは贈り物のような小包だった。

Literary

"小包一つで旅に出る"

— To go on a journey with just one small bundle (minimalist travel).

彼は小包一つで旅に出た。

Literary

"小包の中の秘密"

— A secret hidden inside a parcel (metaphor for a surprise).

小包の中の秘密が明らかになった。

Dramatic

"小包を抱える"

— To carry a parcel (often implies carrying a burden).

重い小包を抱えて階段を上がった。

Neutral

"小包を解く"

— To unwrap or open a parcel.

ワクワクしながら小包を解いた。

Neutral

"小包に詰める"

— To pack things into a parcel.

思い出を小包に詰めて送る。

Metaphorical

"小包の重み"

— The weight of a parcel (can refer to emotional weight).

故郷からの小包の重みを感じた。

Literary

"小包が届くのを心待ちにする"

— To look forward to a parcel's arrival from the bottom of one's heart.

子供たちは小包が届くのを心待ちにしていた。

Neutral

"小包一つ分"

— The size or amount of one parcel.

小包一つ分の荷物しかない。

Neutral

間違えやすい

小包 vs 荷物 (nimotsu)

Both mean 'package' in English.

Nimotsu is for luggage you carry or general things. Kozutsumi is specifically for the mail system.

旅行の荷物 (Travel luggage) vs 郵便の小包 (Postal parcel).

小包 vs 包装 (hōsō)

Both relate to wrapping.

Hōsō is the act of wrapping or the gift wrap itself. Kozutsumi is the object being sent.

綺麗な包装 (Beautiful wrapping) vs 重い小包 (Heavy parcel).

小包 vs 宅配便 (takuhaibin)

Both refer to home delivery.

Takuhaibin refers to the service/system. Kozutsumi refers to the physical box.

宅配便を使う (Use a delivery service) vs 小包を開ける (Open a parcel).

小包 vs 小包郵便 (kozutsumi yūbin)

Redundant sounding.

This is the formal name of the service, whereas kozutsumi is just the item.

小包郵便で送る (Send by parcel post).

小包 vs 郵送 (yūsō)

Both involve the post.

Yūsō is a verb (to send by mail). Kozutsumi is a noun (the parcel).

書類を郵送する (Mail documents) vs 小包が届く (A parcel arrives).

文型パターン

[Person] は [Noun] を送ります。

私は小包を送ります。

[Source] から [Noun] が届きました。

日本から小包が届きました。

[Noun] を [Method] で送ると [Result]。

小包を航空便で送ると早いです。

[Noun] の [Attribute] について [Action]。

小包の送料について聞きました。

[Noun] が [State] のため、[Consequence]。

小包が破損していたため、返品しました。

[Noun] を [Action]-tai desu.

小包を受け取りたいです。

[Noun] の中に [Item] が入っています。

小包の中にプレゼントが入っています。

[Noun] の [Action] を確認する。

小包の配送状況を確認する。

語族

名詞

包み (tsutsumi) - wrapping

梱包 (konpō) - packaging

包装 (hōsō) - wrapping/packing

動詞

包む (tsutsumu) - to wrap

梱包する (konpō-suru) - to pack

使い方

frequency

High in postal and e-commerce contexts; medium in general daily conversation.

よくある間違い

Using 'kozutsumi' for a backpack. → 荷物 (nimotsu) or リュック (ryukku).
Kozutsumi is only for mailed items. A backpack you wear is nimotsu.
Saying 'kozutsumi o chūmon suru'. → 商品を注文する (shōhin o chūmon suru).
You order the product, not the parcel itself. The parcel is just the container.
Pronouncing it 'ko-tsu-mi'. → こづつみ (ko-dzu-tsu-mi).
You must include the 'tsu' syllable in the middle.
Using 'kozutsumi' for an email attachment. → 添付ファイル (tenpu fairu).
Kozutsumi is strictly for physical, tangible goods sent via post.
Confusing 'kozutsumi' with 'tsutsumi'. → Use 'kozutsumi' for shipping.
'Tsutsumi' is just any wrap. 'Kozutsumi' is the specific postal unit.

ヒント

Post Office Master

When you enter a Japanese post office, look for the sign that says '小包' (Kozutsumi). That's where you drop off your boxes. Using this word instead of 'nimotsu' at the counter makes you sound like a pro.

Particle Pairing

Remember: 'Kozutsumi GA todoku' (Parcel arrives) but 'Kozutsumi O okuru' (Send a parcel). Getting the GA/O distinction right is key for A2 level learners.

The Care Package

Receiving a 'kozutsumi' from home is a very emotional experience for Japanese people living away. Mentioning this in conversation can help you connect with Japanese friends.

The Dzu Sound

Don't say 'ko-zu-mi'. Make sure to pronounce the 'tsu' in the middle: 'ko-dzu-tsu-mi'. It's four syllables!

Size Doesn't Matter

Don't let the '小' (small) fool you. Even a large box can be a 'kozutsumi'. The 'small' is relative to freight shipping (cargo).

Wrap it Up

Associate 'kozutsumi' with 'tsutsumu' (to wrap). If you can remember 'wrap,' you can remember 'parcel'!

Kanji Detail

The kanji 包 (wrap) is also in 'konpō' (packing) and 'hōsō' (wrapping). Learning it once helps you with many logistical words.

Delivery Ring

When the doorbell rings and you hear 'O-nimotsu desu!', they are bringing your 'kozutsumi'. Practice hearing the two as related.

History

The word is centuries old. It reminds us of a time when everything was hand-wrapped in cloth before being sent.

Thanking

If someone sends you a 'kozutsumi', always send a message or call them immediately to say 'Kozutsumi, todoita yo! Arigatō!'

暗記しよう

記憶術

Think of a 'CO-zy' (ko) 'ZOO' (zu) where 'TSU'namis of 'MI'lk (mi) are delivered in parcels. Ko-zu-tsu-mi.

視覚的連想

Imagine a small box (小) wrapped (包) perfectly with a red string. The kanji 小 looks like a small person with arms out, and 包 looks like a person bent over wrapping something.

Word Web

Post Office Cardboard Box Shipping Label Stamp Delivery Truck Gift Tracking Number Address

チャレンジ

Try to go through your house and identify 5 items you would put in a 'kozutsumi' to send to a friend. Say 'Kozutsumi ni [item] o iremasu' for each one.

語源

The word is a combination of '小' (small) and '包' (bundle/wrap). It originated in the early modern period as a way to describe small bundled goods sent via messengers or early postal systems.

元の意味： A small wrapped bundle of goods.

Sino-Japanese (Kanji-based).

文化的な背景

Be careful when sending 'kozutsumi' to hospitals; certain items (like potted plants) are considered bad luck (taboo).

In English, we use 'package' for almost anything. In Japan, using 'kozutsumi' shows you understand the specific postal nature of the item.

The movie 'Kiki's Delivery Service' (Majo no Takkyūbin) features the delivery of various parcels (kozutsumi). The song 'Kozutsumi' by various folk artists often touches on the theme of receiving news from home. Japanese literature often uses the arrival of a 'kozutsumi' to mark a turning point in a story.

実生活で練習する

実際の使用場面

Post Office

小包を送りたいのですが。
この小包の重さを測ってください。
一番安い送り方はどれですか？
中身は本です。

At Home (Delivery)

小包が届きましたよ。
ここにサインをお願いします。
宅配ボックスに入れてください。
再配達をお願いします。

Online Shopping

小包の追跡番号を教えてください。
小包がまだ届きません。
小包が破損していました。
発送メールが届きました。

Office/Work

田中さん宛の小包が届いています。
この小包を発送しておいてください。
小包の受け取りをお願いします。
郵便室に小包があります。

International Shipping

国際小包で送ります。
関税はかかりますか？
航空便でお願いします。
内容品を詳しく書いてください。

会話のきっかけ

"最近、何か面白い小包が届きましたか？ (Have any interesting parcels arrived lately?)"

"郵便局で小包を送るのにいくらかかりましたか？ (How much did it cost to send the parcel at the post office?)"

"実家からよく小包が届きますか？ (Do parcels arrive from your parents' home often?)"

"海外に小包を送ったことがありますか？ (Have you ever sent a parcel abroad?)"

"小包の中身は何だと思いますか？ (What do you think is inside the parcel?)"

日記のテーマ

今日、届いた小包について書いてください。中には何が入っていましたか？ (Write about a parcel that arrived today. What was inside?)

大切な人に小包を送るとしたら、何を入れますか？ (If you were to send a parcel to someone important, what would you put in it?)

小包を待っている時の気持ちを説明してください。 (Explain your feelings while waiting for a parcel.)

今までにもらった小包の中で、一番嬉しかったものは何ですか？ (Of all the parcels you've received, which one made you the happiest?)

郵便局で小包を送る時の手順を日本語で説明してみましょう。 (Try explaining the procedure for sending a parcel at the post office in Japanese.)

よくある質問

10 問

No, you should use 'nimotsu' (荷物) or 'sūtsukēsu' (スーツケース). 'Kozutsumi' is only for items sent through a delivery service.

No, letters are 'tegami' (手紙). 'Kozutsumi' refers to three-dimensional packages/parcels.

'Kozutsumi' is the general word for a parcel. 'Yu-Pack' (ゆうパック) is the specific brand name of Japan Post's parcel service. People often use them interchangeably in casual talk.

You can use 'hitotsu, futatsu...' or the counter for boxes 'ippako, nihako...' (一箱、二箱).

Despite the 'small' (小) kanji, it can refer to medium or even relatively large boxes, as long as they fit within the postal service's parcel limits.

No, it is only a noun. To say 'to pack a parcel,' use 'kozutsumi o konpō suru' or 'kozutsumi ni suru'.

It means 'International Parcel.' It's a specific service for sending packages abroad.

It is neutral to slightly formal. In very casual speech, people might just say 'nimotsu' for everything.

Because it comes from 'tsutsumi' (wrapping). When 'tsutsumi' is preceded by another word, the first 'tsu' often becomes voiced 'dzu' (rendaku). Hence, ko + tsutsumi = kozutsumi.

Yes, it can, though people might also call it 'Amazon no nimotsu' or 'takuhaibin'.

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