A post office is a public facility for mailing items and handling basic financial services.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A facility for sending letters and packages.
- Commonly used to buy stamps and postcards.
- Often houses ATMs for banking services.
概要
郵便局は、郵便事業を行うための拠点です。手紙やはがきの差し出し、切手や収入印紙の購入、小包（ゆうパック）の発送などが主な役割です。日本では「日本郵便」が運営しており、赤い看板と「〒」のマークが目印です。
一般的な文脈
日常生活で非常に身近な存在です。特に年賀状の時期や、メルカリなどのフリマアプリで荷物を送る際に頻繁に利用されます。また、ATMが設置されていることが多く、銀行の代わりとして現金の引き出しや預け入れを行う人も多いです。
Examples
郵便局へ行って、手紙を出します。
everydayI will go to the post office and mail this letter.
最寄りの郵便局はどこですか？
formalWhere is the nearest post office?
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
郵便局留め
Poste restante (hold at post office)
Often Confused With
This refers specifically to the mailbox on the street. Use this for dropping off letters, not for counter services.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word is neutral and used in both formal and informal settings. When asking for directions, it is polite to add 'sumimasen' before asking. It is a standard noun with no hidden slang meanings.
Common Mistakes
Beginners sometimes confuse 'yubin-kyoku' with 'ginko' (bank). While they offer similar financial services, remember that mailing items is exclusive to the post office.
Tips
Use the postal mark for navigation
Look for the red '〒' symbol on maps or signs. It is the universal sign for post offices in Japan.
Check operating hours carefully
Many local post offices close on weekends and national holidays. Always check the hours if you need to visit a counter.
Post offices serve as local banks
In Japan, 'Yucho' (Postal Savings) is a major banking service. Many people use their local post office as their primary bank.
Word Origin
The word comes from 'yubin' (mail) and 'kyoku' (office/bureau). It reflects the historical establishment of the postal system in the Meiji era.
Cultural Context
Post offices are essential hubs in Japanese society, often serving as the only financial institution in rural areas. They also play a huge role in the New Year's card (Nengajo) tradition.
Memory Tip
Think of the 'Yubin' as 'You bean' (sending a bean-sized letter). It's the place where your mail goes to travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions手紙や荷物の発送、切手やはがきの購入ができます。また、多くの郵便局にはATMがあり、現金の預け入れや引き出しも可能です。
「〒」という記号が郵便局のシンボルです。これは逓信省の「テ」をカタカナにしたものと言われています。
郵便局は職員がいる施設のことですが、ポストは手紙を入れるための赤い箱のことです。切手を買ったり窓口で相談したりする場合は郵便局へ行く必要があります。
小さな郵便局は土日が休みですが、大きな郵便局（ゆうゆう窓口）は土日も営業していることがあります。事前に確認することをおすすめします。
Test Yourself
荷物を送るために、近くの___へ行きました。
荷物を送る場所は郵便局です。
Score: /1
Summary
A post office is a public facility for mailing items and handling basic financial services.
- A facility for sending letters and packages.
- Commonly used to buy stamps and postcards.
- Often houses ATMs for banking services.
Use the postal mark for navigation
Look for the red '〒' symbol on maps or signs. It is the universal sign for post offices in Japan.
Check operating hours carefully
Many local post offices close on weekends and national holidays. Always check the hours if you need to visit a counter.
Post offices serve as local banks
In Japan, 'Yucho' (Postal Savings) is a major banking service. Many people use their local post office as their primary bank.
Examples
2 of 2郵便局へ行って、手紙を出します。
I will go to the post office and mail this letter.
最寄りの郵便局はどこですか？
Where is the nearest post office?
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
More daily_life words
じゅうしょ
A2The particulars of the place where someone lives.
住所
A2address, residence
～後
A2after
目覚まし
B1Alarm clock. A clock that makes a noise to wake someone up.
目覚まし時計
B1An alarm clock.
もう少し
B1A little more.
ひとりで
A2Alone.
~のに
B1Even though; despite (particle/conjunction).
ごぜん
A2Morning (a.m.).
煩い
B1Noisy; annoying.
