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A2 noun #4,500 most common 8 min read

ハガキ

hagaki Top 4,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips ハガキ in 30 Seconds

Explanation ハガキ in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should recognize 'ハガキ' as a basic noun for 'postcard.' You will mostly use it in simple 'Subject-Object-Verb' sentences. For example, 'ハガキをかきます' (I write a postcard) or 'ハガキをだします' (I send a postcard). At this stage, you don't need to worry about the different types of postcards, just that it is a piece of paper you send through the mail without an envelope. You might learn this word when talking about travel or writing to your family. It is a concrete noun that is easy to visualize. Remember that the counter for postcards is 'mai' (枚), so 'one postcard' is 'hagaki ichi-mai.' Focus on the basic action of buying a postcard and a stamp (kitte) at a shop.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'ハガキ' in more descriptive contexts. You can distinguish between a plain postcard and a picture postcard (絵葉書 - e-hagaki). You should be able to ask for them at a convenience store or post office using polite patterns like 'ハガキを三枚ください' (Please give me three postcards). You also start to learn about seasonal customs, such as '年賀状' (nengajo), which are the postcards sent for New Year. You can describe the process: '切手を貼って、ポストに入れます' (Stick a stamp and put it in the mailbox). You will also encounter the word in listening exercises where someone is giving directions to the post office or talking about receiving mail from a friend.

At the B1 level, you understand the social etiquette surrounding 'ハガキ'. You know that certain information is appropriate for postcards while other information requires a letter (手紙). you can use 'ハガキ' in complex sentences with conjunctions, such as '旅行に行ったとき、忙しかったけれど、ハガキをたくさん書きました' (When I went on a trip, I was busy, but I wrote many postcards). You also become familiar with specific Japanese postal terms like '往復ハガキ' (reply-paid postcards) used for event invitations. You can discuss the cultural importance of handwriting and why people still choose postcards over digital messages in Japan. You might also learn about the 'postmark' (消印 - keshiin) and its importance for deadlines.

At the B2 level, you can use 'ハガキ' to discuss broader social trends, such as the declining number of postcards sent due to the 'digital shift' (デジタル化). You can express opinions on whether the tradition of 'nengajo' should be maintained. You understand formal registers and can write a postcard using appropriate seasonal greetings (kigo) and set phrases like '拝啓' (Haikei) and '敬具' (Keigu), though these are more common in letters, postcards have their own simplified versions. You are aware of the 'Privacy Postcard' (目隠しハガキ) and can explain its function in protecting personal information in a business context. You can also understand news reports about postal rate increases and their impact on consumers.

At the C1 level, you possess a nuanced understanding of 'ハガキ' within Japanese literature and history. You can discuss the 'Hagaki Bungaku' (Postcard Literature) where famous authors like Natsume Soseki used postcards for brief but profound exchanges. You understand the technical specifications of Japan Post and the legal definitions of what constitutes a 'hagaki' versus a 'first-class mail' item. You can navigate the complex etiquette of 'Mofuku-hagaki' (mourning postcards), which are sent to notify others that you will not be sending New Year's greetings due to a death in the family. Your vocabulary includes specialized terms like '官製ハガキ' (government-issued) versus '私製ハガキ' (privately printed) and the tax implications of each.

At the C2 level, you can engage in high-level discourse regarding the semiotics of the postcard in Japanese culture. You can analyze the evolution of the 'hagaki' from its etymological roots (writing on leaves) to its role in modern bureaucracy. You can discuss the philatelic value of certain postcards and the historical significance of military postcards (gunji hagaki) during the war eras. You are capable of writing professional-grade copy for postcard-based marketing campaigns or legal notices. You understand the intricate postal laws that govern the placement of the word '郵便はがき' on the card to qualify for the postcard rate. You can also appreciate the aesthetic differences between various types of 'Washi' (Japanese paper) used for high-end artisanal postcards.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

ハガキ in 30 Seconds

A standard Japanese postcard measuring 100x148mm.
Used for seasonal greetings, official notices, and personal messages.
Cheaper than letters (fuusho) because no envelope is required.
Cultural staple in Japan, especially for New Year's greetings (nengajo).

The word ハガキ (often written in Kanji as 葉書 or Hiragana as はがき) refers to a postcard. In the Japanese postal system, it represents a specific category of mail that is distinct from 封書 (fuusho), which are letters enclosed in envelopes. Historically, the word is derived from the practice of scratching messages onto the back of leaves, specifically the Tarajo (Holly) leaf, which turns black when bruised. Today, a ハガキ is the standard medium for short, open communication, such as seasonal greetings, move-in notifications, and simple thank-you notes.

Physical Characteristics: A standard Japanese postcard measures exactly 100mm by 148mm. This size is strictly regulated by Japan Post; anything larger or smaller may require different postage rates or be classified as a different type of mail.
Common Usage Scenarios: Japanese people use postcards most frequently during the New Year (年賀状 - nengajo) and mid-summer (暑中見舞い - shochu-mimai). Outside of these seasons, postcards are used for official government notices, utility bill reminders, and lottery entries.

旅行先から友だちにハガキを送りました。
(I sent a postcard to my friend from my travel destination.)

In a professional context, a ハガキ can be used for formal announcements, such as a change in office location or a company anniversary. However, sensitive information is never sent via a standard postcard because the content is visible to anyone handling the mail. To solve this, Japan has specialized 'Privacy Postcards' (目隠しハガキ - mekakushi hagaki) which feature a peel-off sticker to hide personal details.

The Kanji Origin: The Kanji 葉書 literally means 'leaf writing.' This poetic origin reflects the ancient roots of Japanese communication. Even today, many post offices plant Tarajo trees nearby as a symbol of the postal service's history.

このハガキには切手が貼ってありません。
(There is no stamp attached to this postcard.)

When you go to a convenience store or a post office to buy them, you might ask for 'Kansha hagaki' (official pre-stamped postcards) or 'E-hagaki' (picture postcards). The culture of sending postcards remains strong in Japan despite the rise of digital communication, largely due to the cultural importance of physical New Year's greetings which often include a lottery number (Otoshidama) that can win the recipient prizes.

Register and Nuance: While 'postcard' is the direct translation, the word 'hagaki' carries a sense of formality and tradition that 'email' or 'line message' lacks. Receiving a handwritten hagaki is considered a sign of high respect and effort.

年賀ハガキのデザインを選んでいます。
(I am choosing a design for my New Year's postcards.)

Using ハガキ in a sentence requires understanding the verbs associated with mail. The most common verb is 出す (dasu), meaning 'to send' or 'to put out.' Other common verbs include 書く (kaku) for writing, 届く (todoku) for arriving, and 受け取る (uketoru) for receiving. Because a postcard is a physical object, it is counted using the counter 枚 (mai) for flat objects.

Action: Sending: To send a postcard, you say 'ハガキを出す' (hagaki o dasu). In a more formal setting, such as a post office, you might use '投函する' (toukan suru), which specifically means to drop it into a mailbox.

母に誕生日のハガキを出しました。
(I sent a birthday postcard to my mother.)

When discussing the quantity of postcards, the counter 'mai' is essential. For example, 'ハガキを三枚買いました' (I bought three postcards). If you are referring to a picture postcard specifically, you use the term 絵葉書 (e-hagaki), which is a compound of 'e' (picture) and 'hagaki'. This is common when buying souvenirs at tourist spots.

Action: Writing: Writing a postcard involves 'ハガキを書く'. Japanese postcards often have a specific side for the address (宛名面 - atena-men) and a side for the message (通信面 - tsuushin-men). Mixing these up is a common mistake for beginners.

京都の綺麗な絵ハガキを三枚ください。
(Please give me three beautiful picture postcards of Kyoto.)

In grammatical structures, ハガキ functions as a standard noun. It can be the subject of a sentence (ハガキが届いた - The postcard arrived) or the object (ハガキを受け取る - To receive a postcard). When used with particles like 'de' (by means of), it describes the method of communication: 'ハガキで知らせる' (to notify by postcard).

Specific Types: There are 'Kan-sei hagaki' (government-made postcards with pre-printed stamps) and 'Shi-sei hagaki' (privately made postcards where you must stick your own stamp).

往復ハガキで返信してください。
(Please reply using a double/return postcard.)

You will encounter the word ハガキ in various daily life settings in Japan. The most obvious place is the 郵便局 (yuubinkyoku - post office). When you walk in, you might see signs for '年賀ハガキ販売' (New Year's postcard sales) or hear a clerk ask, 'ハガキですか、封書ですか？' (Is it a postcard or a letter?).

At the Convenience Store (Konbini): In Japan, convenience stores like 7-Eleven or Lawson sell stamps and postcards. You might hear a customer ask, 'ハガキをください' (Please give me a postcard) or 'ハガキに貼る切手はありますか？' (Do you have stamps for postcards?).

コンビニでハガキが買えるので便利です。
(It's convenient because you can buy postcards at convenience stores.)

On television and radio, you will frequently hear the phrase 'ハガキでご応募ください' (Please apply by postcard). Even in the digital age, many prize giveaways and listener segments on Japanese radio still require entries to be sent via physical postcards. This is often to prevent bot entries and to maintain a personal connection with the audience.

In the Office: Administrative staff might say, 'このお知らせはハガキで送りましょう' (Let's send this notice via postcard) to save on postage costs compared to envelopes.

役所から届いたハガキを失くしてしまいました。
(I lost the postcard that arrived from the government office.)

You will also hear this word in educational settings. Teachers might ask students to write a 'jisho-hagaki' (self-addressed postcard) for returning exam results or notification letters. In stationery shops (文房具店 - bunbougu-ten), you will see sections dedicated to 'Hagaki-sen' (postcard paper) for those who want to print their own designs at home.

One of the most common mistakes learners make with ハガキ is confusing it with 手紙 (tegami). While 'tegami' is the general word for a letter, in Japanese, it almost always implies a letter inside an envelope. If you send a message on a single piece of cardstock without an envelope, you must call it a 'hagaki'. Calling a postcard a 'tegami' isn't technically wrong in a broad sense, but it sounds unnatural when specifying the mail type.

Mistake: Postage Rates: Learners often assume the stamp for a postcard is the same as a letter. In Japan, postcards are cheaper. If you put a letter-rate stamp (e.g., 110 yen) on a postcard (85 yen), you are wasting money. Conversely, putting a postcard stamp on a letter will result in it being returned for 'insufficient postage' (料金不足 - ryoukin busoku).

× 手紙をポストに入れました (when it was a postcard)
○ ハガキをポストに入れました

Another mistake involves the writing orientation. While English postcards are almost always horizontal, Japanese postcards can be either vertical (tate-gaki) or horizontal (yoko-gaki). A common error is writing the address in a way that overlaps with the stamp area. The stamp (kitte) always goes in the top-left corner for vertical postcards and the top-left corner (when rotated) for horizontal ones. If you put it in the top-right, it violates Japan Post's automated sorting standards.

Mistake: Privacy Issues: A cultural mistake is writing very personal or sensitive information (like bank details or deep secrets) on a hagaki. Since it is 'open mail,' it is considered inappropriate for anything that isn't meant to be public or semi-public.

× 秘密をハガキに書きました。
○ 秘密は手紙（封書）で送りました。

While ハガキ is the standard term, there are several related words that describe different types of postcards or methods of sending short messages. Understanding the nuances between these will help you choose the right word for the right situation.

絵葉書 (E-hagaki): Specifically a picture postcard. Use this when you are buying souvenirs with photos of Mount Fuji or Tokyo Tower. A regular 'hagaki' might just be a plain white card used for official business.
ポストカード (Posuto-kādo): The loanword version. This is often used in trendy stationery shops or when referring to artistic, non-standard cards that might be used for interior decoration rather than just mailing.

美術館で素敵なポストカードを買いました。
(I bought a lovely postcard at the art museum.)

Another important alternative is 封書 (Fuusho). This refers to any mail in an envelope. If you have more than one page of writing, or if you want to include a small photo or a flat gift, you must switch from a 'hagaki' to a 'fuusho'. The postage is higher, but it offers more space and privacy.

年賀状 (Nengajo): A specialized term for New Year's postcards. While they are technically 'hagaki', during the month of December and January, everyone calls them 'nengajo'. They are handled differently by the post office to ensure they arrive exactly on January 1st.

年賀状はハガキの一種です。
(Nengajo is a type of postcard.)

In modern times, SNS (Social Networking Services) or メール (E-mail) are the primary alternatives. However, for formal greetings like 'shochu-mimai' (summer greetings) or 'zansho-mimai' (late summer greetings), sending a physical 'hagaki' is still seen as much more polite and thoughtful than a digital message.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The Tarajo tree is known as the 'Post Office Tree' and is often planted in front of post offices in Japan today.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /həˈɡɑːki/

US /həˈɡɑki/

Heiban (Flat) - The pitch stays relatively level throughout the word.

Rhymes With

Akaki (Red) Kakaki (Writing - rare) Sakaki (Type of tree) Waki (Side) Maki (Roll) Taki (Waterfall) Kaki (Persimmon) Gaki (Brat - slang)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'ga' as 'ka'.
Stressing the first syllable too hard.
Making the 'i' at the end too long (hagakeee).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The Katakana is easy, but the Kanji 葉書 can be tricky for beginners.

Writing 3/5

Writing the Kanji 葉 (leaf) takes some practice.

Speaking 1/5

Very simple 3-syllable word.

Listening 1/5

Easy to distinguish in conversation.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

切手郵便局ポスト手紙書く

Learn Next

封書宛名差出人消印速達

Advanced

定形外郵便郵便法料額印面往信返信

Grammar to Know

Counter 枚 (mai)

ハガキを二枚買いました。

Particle に for Destination

ハガキに住所を書く。

Particle で for Means

ハガキでお知らせを送る。

Potential Form

郵便局でハガキが買えます。

Honorifics (Rare for hagaki)

お手紙（おハガキ）ありがとうございます。

Examples by Level

ハガキをかきます。

I write a postcard.

Basic object-verb structure.

ハガキをだします。

I send a postcard.

The verb 'dasu' is used for sending mail.

これはハガキです。

This is a postcard.

Simple identification.

ハガキを一枚ください。

One postcard, please.

Uses the counter 'mai' for flat objects.

どこでハガキを買いますか？

Where do you buy postcards?

Question form with 'doko'.

ハガキに切手をはります。

I put a stamp on the postcard.

Particle 'ni' indicates the location.

きれいなハガキですね。

It's a beautiful postcard, isn't it?

Adjective 'kirei' modifying the noun.

ハガキがとどきました。

The postcard arrived.

Intransitive verb 'todoku'.

コンビニでハガキを五枚買いました。

I bought five postcards at the convenience store.

Location particle 'de' and quantity.

京都の絵ハガキを友達に送りました。

I sent a Kyoto picture postcard to my friend.

Compound noun 'e-hagaki'.

ハガキの書き方を教えてください。

Please teach me how to write a postcard.

V-stem + kata means 'way of doing'.

このハガキはいくらですか？

How much is this postcard?

Asking for price.

年賀ハガキを準備しています。

I am preparing New Year's postcards.

Progressive form 'shite-imasu'.

ハガキに住所を書きます。

I write the address on the postcard.

'Juusho' means address.

ハガキはポストに入れてください。

Please put the postcard in the mailbox.

Request form 'te-kudasai'.

新しいハガキのデザインがいいですね。

The new postcard design is good.

Noun modification with 'no'.

ハガキなら、切手代が安く済みます。

If it's a postcard, the stamp cost will be cheaper.

Conditional 'nara' for suggestions.

ハガキの裏にメッセージを書きました。

I wrote a message on the back of the postcard.

'Ura' means back/reverse side.

往復ハガキで同窓会の欠席を伝えました。

I informed them of my absence from the reunion using a reply-paid postcard.

Specialized term 'oufuku-hagaki'.

ハガキは手紙よりも気軽に送れます。

Postcards can be sent more casually than letters.

Potential form 'okuremasu' and comparison 'yori'.

懸賞に応募するために、ハガキを書きました。

I wrote a postcard to apply for a prize contest.

'Tame ni' indicates purpose.

ハガキの表面に宛先を書いてください。

Please write the destination on the front surface of the postcard.

'Omote-men' refers to the address side.

最近はハガキを出す人が減っています。

Recently, the number of people sending postcards is decreasing.

Relative clause modifying 'hito'.

旅行の思い出をハガキに綴りました。

I wrote down my travel memories on a postcard.

The verb 'tsuzuru' is a more literary way to say 'write'.

ハガキの料金が値上げされることになりました。

It has been decided that the postcard rates will be increased.

'Koto ni naru' for external decisions.

個人情報を守るために、目隠しハガキを使います。

To protect personal information, we use privacy postcards.

Specific term 'mekakushi-hagaki'.

ハガキ一枚にも、送る人の心がこもっています。

Even in a single postcard, the sender's heart is contained.

'Kokoro ga komoru' is an idiomatic expression for 'sincere'.

ハガキの消印が有効期限内である必要があります。

The postmark on the postcard must be within the expiration period.

'Hitsuyou ga aru' means 'necessary'.

官製ハガキは郵便局で購入できます。

Government-issued postcards can be purchased at the post office.

Passive potential 'kounyuu dekimasu'.

ハガキの書き損じは、郵便局で交換してもらえます。

Mistyped or ruined postcards can be exchanged at the post office.

'Kakisonji' means a writing error.

ハガキでの通知は、電子メールより公式な印象を与えます。

Notifications by postcard give a more official impression than email.

Comparison of impressions.

ハガキを横向きに使う場合は、切手の位置に注意してください。

If you use a postcard horizontally, please be careful of the stamp placement.

'Baai' indicates a specific case/condition.

往復ハガキの返信面を切り離さずに投函してください。

Please mail the reply-paid postcard without detaching the reply side.

Negative 'zu ni' meaning 'without doing'.

ハガキという限られたスペースに、想いを凝縮させる。

One condenses their feelings into the limited space of a postcard.

Literary verb 'gyoushuku' (condense).

私製ハガキを使用する際は、「郵便はがき」の表記が不可欠です。

When using privately made postcards, the label 'Postcard' is indispensable.

'Fukaketsu' means indispensable.

喪中のため、年賀ハガキを差し控える旨を伝えます。

I will inform them that I will refrain from sending New Year's cards due to mourning.

Formal verb 'sashihikaeru' (refrain).

ハガキは日本の通信史において重要な役割を果たしてきました。

Postcards have played an important role in the history of Japanese communication.

'Yakuwari o hatasu' (to play a role).

切手不要のハガキは、アンケート調査によく利用されます。

Postcards that don't require stamps are often used for surveys.

'Fuyou' means 'not required'.

ハガキのサイズ規定に違反すると、定形外郵便扱いになります。

If you violate the postcard size regulations, it will be treated as non-standard mail.

'Atsukai' means 'treatment' or 'handling'.

絵ハガキの収集は、かつて非常に人気のある趣味でした。

Collecting picture postcards was once a very popular hobby.

'Shuushu' (collection).

ハガキ一枚の重さは、概ね2グラムから6グラムの間と定められています。

The weight of a single postcard is stipulated to be generally between 2 and 6 grams.

Technical term 'sadamerarete-iru' (stipulated).

郵便法におけるハガキの定義を精査する必要があります。

It is necessary to scrutinize the definition of a postcard in the Postal Act.

'Seisa' (scrutinize).

ハガキの電子化が進む中、物理的な手触りの価値が再評価されています。

Amidst the digitization of postcards, the value of physical texture is being re-evaluated.

'Naka' used to indicate a background situation.

宛名不完全のため、ハガキが差出人に還付されました。

Due to an incomplete address, the postcard was returned to the sender.

Formal term 'kanpu' (return/refund).

ハガキの料額印面は、それ自体が切手の代わりを果たします。

The postage value imprint on a postcard functions as a substitute for a stamp itself.

Technical term 'ryougaku inmen'.

広告付ハガキ、通称「エコーはがき」は、企業の協賛により安価で提供されます。

Postcards with advertisements, commonly known as 'Echo Hagaki', are provided cheaply through corporate sponsorship.

'Tsuushou' (commonly known as).

ハガキの消印一つをとっても、その地域の歴史や文化が反映されています。

Even a single postmark on a postcard reflects the history and culture of that region.

'~o totte-mo' (even taking...).

ハガキというメディアが持つ即時性と公開性のパラドックスを考察する。

We will consider the paradox of immediacy and publicity inherent in the postcard as a medium.

Academic verb 'kousatsu' (consider/analyze).

Common Collocations

ハガキを出す

ハガキを書く

ハガキが届く

ハガキを投函する

ハガキを買う

ハガキを受け取る

ハガキに貼る

ハガキを送る

ハガキの宛名

ハガキの裏面

Common Phrases

ハガキでご応募ください

— Commonly heard on TV/Radio, asking people to apply for a prize by postcard.

詳しい内容はハガキでご応募ください。

年賀ハガキ

— The specific cards used for New Year's greetings.

年賀ハガキを買いに行きましょう。

往復ハガキ

— A pair of postcards attached together for a request and a reply.

往復ハガキで返信してください。

絵ハガキ

— A postcard with a picture, usually a souvenir.

富士山の絵ハガキを買った。

かもめ〜る

— A branded summer greeting postcard with a lottery.

かもめ〜るで夏のご挨拶をする。

ハガキ大

— Something that is the size of a postcard.

ハガキ大の写真プリント。

ハガキ職人

— A person who frequently sends funny postcards to radio shows.

彼は有名なハガキ職人だ。

ハガキ代

— The cost of the postcard or its postage.

ハガキ代が値上がりした。

ハガキ一枚

— A single postcard, often used to emphasize simplicity.

ハガキ一枚で済む用事だ。

ハガキの消印

— The postmark on the postcard.

ハガキの消印は昨日の日付だ。

Often Confused With

ハガキ vs 手紙 (Tegami)

Hagaki is a card; Tegami is usually a letter in an envelope.

ハガキ vs 封書 (Fuusho)

Hagaki is open; Fuusho is sealed in an envelope.

ハガキ vs 切手 (Kitte)

Hagaki is the card; Kitte is the stamp you put on it.

Idioms & Expressions

"ハガキ一枚の縁"

— A connection maintained only by the occasional postcard.

彼とはハガキ一枚の縁が続いている。

Literary

"葉書に書いたような"

— Something very clear, standard, or picturesque (rarely used, more for 'e ni kaita' usually).

葉書に書いたような綺麗な景色だ。

Neutral

"筆を執る"

— To take up a pen to write (often used when starting a hagaki).

久しぶりにハガキを書こうと筆を執った。

Formal

"便りがないのは良い便り"

— No news is good news (often applied to lack of postcards).

ハガキも来ないが、便りがないのは良い便りだ。

Common

"一筆啓上"

— A very brief, formal letter/postcard opening.

一筆啓上、お元気ですか。

Very Formal

"筆不精"

— Being a poor correspondent (someone who doesn't write postcards often).

私は筆不精で、ハガキをなかなか出さない。

Neutral

"音信不通"

— No contact (not even a postcard).

ハガキを出しても音信不通だ。

Neutral

"季節の挨拶"

— Seasonal greetings (the primary purpose of postcards).

ハガキで季節の挨拶を送る。

Neutral

"手紙は心の架け橋"

— Letters/postcards are a bridge between hearts.

ハガキ一枚でも、手紙は心の架け橋です。

Poetic

"返信を待つ"

— Waiting for a reply (common sentiment after sending a hagaki).

ハガキを出して、返信を待っている。

Neutral

Easily Confused

ハガキ vs 葉書

Same word, just Kanji.

Katakana 'ハガキ' is more common for casual use; Kanji is more formal.

官製葉書 (Formal Kanji).

ハガキ vs 名刺

Both are small cards.

Meishi is a business card (personal info); Hagaki is for mailing.

名刺を交換する。

ハガキ vs 招待状

Both are sent for events.

Shoutaijou is an invitation (can be a card or letter); Hagaki is the physical format.

招待状がハガキで届いた。

ハガキ vs 電報

Both are short messages.

Denpou is a telegram (urgent/ceremonial); Hagaki is standard mail.

結婚式に電報を送る。

ハガキ vs チラシ

Both come in the mailbox.

Chirashi is a flyer/ad; Hagaki is personal or official mail.

ポストにチラシが入っている。

Sentence Patterns

[Noun] を [Verb]

ハガキを書く。

[Location] で [Noun] を買う

コンビニでハガキを買う。

[Noun] を [Verb] ために...

ハガキを出すためにポストに行く。

[Noun] が [Verb-passive]

ハガキが配達される。

[Noun] に基づいて...

規定に基づいてハガキを作る。

[Noun] の変遷を...

ハガキの変遷を辿る。

[Noun] は [Adjective] です

このハガキは安いです。

[Noun] に [Noun] を貼る

ハガキに切手を貼る。

Word Family

Nouns

絵葉書

年賀葉書

往復葉書

私製葉書

官製葉書

Verbs

葉書く (Non-standard, but 'to write a postcard')

Adjectives

葉書大 (Postcard-sized)

郵便

切手

ポスト

封書

手紙

How to Use It

frequency

High, especially during seasonal transitions.

Common Mistakes

Using 'tegami' for a postcard. → ハガキ (hagaki)
Tegami usually means a letter in an envelope.
Putting the stamp in the top-right corner. → Top-left corner.
Japan Post's machines look for the stamp in the top-left.
Forgetting the '郵便はがき' label on handmade cards. → Write '郵便はがき' or 'POST CARD'.
Without this, it might be charged at a higher letter rate.
Writing the address too low. → Keep it in the top half.
The bottom is for the post office's barcode.
Using a postcard for sensitive info. → Use an envelope (封書).
Postcards are 'open mail' and visible to everyone.

Tips

Check the Orientation

Ensure your stamp and address orientation match (vertical vs horizontal).

Buy in Bulk

Buying pre-stamped packs at the post office is faster than buying individual stamps.

Seasonal Greetings

Sending a summer hagaki (Shochu-mimai) is a great way to impress Japanese friends.

Use a Ballpoint or Fude-pen

Ink can smudge on glossy picture postcards, so choose your pen carefully.

Use Stickers

If writing something private, buy 'mekakushi' stickers at a 100-yen shop.

Master the Counter

Practice 'ichi-mai, ni-mai, san-mai' to sound natural when ordering.

International Mail

Always write 'AIR MAIL' and 'Postcard' clearly for international destinations.

Handmade Cards

You can make your own postcards, but they must be between 2g and 6g.

Visit the Museum

The Communications Museum in Tokyo has a great display on the history of hagaki.

Shadowing

Repeat 'Hagaki o dashimasu' until the 'g' and 'k' sounds are smooth.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'HA'ppy 'GA'me 'KI't (HAGAKI) that you send through the mail.

Visual Association

Imagine a green leaf with a message scratched on it, then it transforms into a modern white postcard.

Word Web

Mail Stamp Postbox Writing New Year Souvenir Paper Address

Challenge

Go to a local shop and try to find a postcard. Say 'Hagaki' out loud while holding it.

Word Origin

The word comes from 'ha' (leaf) and 'kaki' (writing). In ancient Japan, messages were scratched onto the leaves of the Tarajo tree.

Original meaning: Writing on a leaf.

Japonic (Native Japanese - Kun'yomi reading).

Cultural Context

Be careful when sending 'Mofuku-hagaki' (mourning cards); they must be on specific gray/plain paper and sent before the New Year cards arrive.

In English-speaking countries, postcards are almost exclusively for tourists. In Japan, they are for everyone, including businesses and government.

Nengajo lottery Tarajo tree Japan Post mascot 'Posukuma'

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Post Office

ハガキをください
切手はいくらですか？
海外までいくらですか？
投函してください

New Year Season

年賀ハガキはありますか？
元日に届きますか？
お年玉付きですか？
書き損じました

Travel

絵ハガキを買いたい
切手を貼る場所は？
どこで出せますか？
記念スタンプを押す

Radio/TV Contests

ハガキで応募する
裏面に住所を書く
締切はいつですか
ハガキ職人になる

Government Notices

役所からハガキが来た
ハガキを持っていく
返信用のハガキ
期限を確認する

Conversation Starters

"最近、誰かにハガキを書きましたか？ (Have you written a postcard to someone recently?)"

"旅行に行ったら、絵ハガキを買いますか？ (Do you buy picture postcards when you go on a trip?)"

"年賀状は何枚くらい出しますか？ (About how many New Year's cards do you send?)"

"ハガキとメール、どちらが好きですか？ (Which do you like better, postcards or email?)"

"一番最近届いたハガキは何でしたか？ (What was the most recent postcard that arrived for you?)"

Journal Prompts

今日、友達にハガキを書いたと想像して、その内容を日本語で書いてみましょう。 (Imagine you wrote a postcard to a friend today and write the content in Japanese.)

日本のハガキ文化について、どう思いますか？ (What do you think about Japanese postcard culture?)

あなたが一番大切にしているハガキについて書いてください。 (Write about the postcard you treasure the most.)

もし自分がハガキのデザイナーだったら、どんな絵を描きますか？ (If you were a postcard designer, what kind of picture would you draw?)

メールがあるのに、なぜ人はハガキを出すのでしょうか？ (Why do people send postcards even though they have email?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, as long as it meets the size (100x148mm) and weight requirements. You must write '郵便はがき' on it.

Currently, it is 85 yen for domestic delivery in Japan.

Post offices, convenience stores, and stationery shops.

It is a double postcard used for invitations where the recipient tears off half to send back as a reply.

No, the stamp is already printed on the card.

Yes, but it costs more (usually around 100 yen by airmail).

A special postcard sent to arrive on New Year's Day.

You can take it to the post office and exchange it for a new one for a small fee (5-10 yen).

Because people used to write on the leaves of the Tarajo tree in ancient times.

No, both vertical and horizontal writing are acceptable.