送信する in 30 Seconds
- Used for sending digital data like emails and messages.
- A formal suru-verb common in business and technical UI.
- Distinguished from 'okuru' which is for physical items.
- Essential for navigating Japanese apps and professional settings.
The Japanese verb 送信する (sōshin suru) is a technical and formal term used to describe the act of transmitting data, messages, or signals from one point to another, typically through electronic means. At its core, the word is composed of two kanji: 送 (sō) meaning 'to send' or 'to escort,' and 信 (shin) meaning 'trust,' 'message,' or 'signal.' When combined, they specifically refer to the dispatching of information. Unlike the more general verb 送る (okuru), which can refer to sending physical packages, spending time, or seeing someone off, 送信する is strictly reserved for the digital and telecommunication realms.
- Digital Context
- Used for emails, SMS, data packets, and server requests.
- Formal Nuance
- Often appears in business settings and user interfaces (UI).
- Directionality
- Implies a clear sender and a receiver via a medium.
「メールを送信する前に、添付ファイルを確認してください。」(Please check the attachment before sending the email.)
In the modern era, this word is ubiquitous. Every time you hit the 'Send' button on a smartphone app, you are performing the action of 送信. It is a 'suru-verb,' meaning it functions as a noun (送信 - transmission) that becomes a verb by adding 'suru.' This flexibility allows it to be used in various grammatical structures, such as 送信中 (sending in progress) or 送信済み (sent). Understanding this word is crucial for navigating any Japanese digital interface, from social media to professional software.
「データをサーバーに送信する。」(To transmit data to the server.)
Using 送信する correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical role as a transitive verb. It typically takes the particle を (o) to mark the object being sent. Common objects include メール (email), メッセージ (message), ファイル (file), and 情報 (information). Because it is a formal word, it is frequently used in its polite form 送信します (sōshin shimasu) or its humble form 送信させていただきます (sōshin sasete itadakimasu) in business correspondence.
- Object Marking
- [Object] を 送信する
- Destination Marking
- [Recipient/Destination] に [Object] を 送信する
One of the most important aspects of using this verb is the context of 'completion.' In Japanese business culture, the act of sending is often followed by a confirmation. You might hear 送信いたしました (I have sent it) as a way to formally notify a client that a document is on its way. In technical documentation, you will see it used in the passive voice 送信される (to be sent) to describe automated processes.
「エラーが発生したため、メッセージが送信されませんでしたnot sent because an error occurred.)
You will encounter 送信する in three primary environments: digital interfaces, professional offices, and technical manuals. In digital interfaces, the word is almost always found on the 'Send' button. Whether you are using LINE, Gmail, or a contact form on a website, the button will likely be labeled 送信.
In a professional setting, colleagues will use it when discussing workflows. For example, 'Did you send the report?' would be 「レポートは送信しましたか？」. It sounds more precise and professional than using 送る. In technical fields like IT, engineering, or telecommunications, it is the standard term for data transfer.
- UI/UX
- Buttons, progress bars, and status messages in apps.
- Business Email
- Confirming the dispatch of documents or replies.
- Broadcasting
- Radio or satellite signal transmission (often 'sōshin' or 'hasshin').
「このボタンを押すと、アンケート結果が送信されますsend the survey results.)
The most frequent mistake learners make is overusing 送信する in place of 送る (okuru). Remember: 送信 is for signals/data; 送る is for everything else. If you say 「友達にプレゼントを送信しました」 (I transmitted a present to my friend), it sounds like you digitized the gift and sent it through the internet like a Star Trek transporter.
Another mistake is confusing it with 返信する (henshin suru), which specifically means 'to reply.' While you are 'sending' a reply, Japanese speakers prefer the specific term 返信 when a response is expected. Similarly, 転送する (tensō suru) is used for 'forwarding' an email you received from someone else.
- Wrong
- 荷物を送信する (Sending a package - Use 送る instead)
- Wrong
- 手紙を送信する (Sending a physical letter - Use 送る or 投函する instead)
To master 送信する, you must distinguish it from its synonyms and related terms. Each has a specific nuance regarding the direction and nature of the communication.
- 発信する (hasshin suru)
- To originate or broadcast a signal. Used for making a phone call or 'sending out' information to the public.
- 配信する (haishin suru)
- To distribute content, like a newsletter, a live stream, or a podcast. Implies one-to-many communication.
- 転送する (tensō suru)
- To forward. Taking something received and sending it to a third party.
- 返信する (henshin suru)
- To reply. Sending a message back to the original sender.
「最新のニュースをメルマガで配信するdistribute/stream the latest news via newsletter.)
While 送信 is the general act of 'sending' data, 発信 focuses on the 'starting point' or 'outward' nature, and 配信 focuses on the 'delivery' to many recipients. Choosing the right one makes your Japanese sound much more natural and precise.
How Formal Is It?
Difficulty Rating
Grammar to Know
Suru-verb conjugation
Transitive verb particle 'o'
Recipient particle 'ni'
Noun + suru structure
Passive voice for automated actions
Examples by Level
メールを送信します。
I will send the email.
Simple object + を + verb structure.
送信ボタンはどこですか？
Where is the send button?
送信 functions as a noun here.
写真を送信してください。
Please send the photo.
Polite request using ~te kudasai.
メッセージを送信しました。
I sent the message.
Past tense of a suru-verb.
今、送信しています。
I am sending it now.
Present continuous form.
送信できません。
I cannot send it.
Potential negative form.
これを送信して。
Send this (casual).
Casual request.
送信完了。
Sending complete.
Noun compound common in UI.
先生にレポートを送信しました。
I sent the report to the teacher.
Marking the recipient with に.
名前を書いてから送信してください。
Please send it after writing your name.
Using ~te kara for sequence.
送信エラーが起きました。
A sending error occurred.
Noun + noun compound.
もう一度送信してみます。
I will try sending it again.
Using ~te miru (to try doing).
ファイルを送信してもいいですか？
May I send the file?
Asking permission with ~te mo ii desu ka.
送信する前に確認しましょう。
Let's check before sending.
Using ~mae ni (before).
昨日、メールを送信したはずです。
I should have sent the email yesterday.
Using ~hazu desu (expectation).
送信したメールが見つかりません。
I can't find the email I sent.
Relative clause modifying 'mail'.
資料をPDFで送信していただけますか？
Could you please send the materials as a PDF?
Humble request form.
このボタンを押すと、自動的に送信されます。
When you press this button, it is sent automatically.
Conditional ~to + passive voice.
送信が遅れてしまい、申し訳ありません。
I am sorry for the delay in sending.
Expressing regret with ~te shimau.
機密情報を送信する際は注意が必要です。
Caution is necessary when sending confidential information.
Using ~sai (formal 'when').
送信済みのアイテムを確認してください。
Please check your sent items.
Noun phrase 'sent items'.
間違えて別のファイルを送信してしまいました。
I accidentally sent a different file.
Adverb 'machigaete' + regret form.
サーバーへの送信に失敗しました。
Failed to send to the server.
Noun form 'sōshin' as a target of 'ni'.
履歴書をメールに添付して送信してください。
Please attach your resume to the email and send it.
Combining actions with te-form.
データの送信には暗号化技術が使われています。
Encryption technology is used for data transmission.
Passive voice in a technical context.
送信元のアドレスが不明なメールは開かないでください。
Please do not open emails from unknown sender addresses.
Compound 'sōshin-moto' (sender/source).
大量のデータを一括で送信するのは避けてください。
Please avoid sending large amounts of data all at once.
Nominalizing the verb with 'no'.
送信ボタンを連打するとエラーの原因になります。
Repeatedly clicking the send button causes errors.
Conditional ~to + noun phrase.
承認を得てから、正式な回答を送信します。
I will send the formal response after obtaining approval.
Sequence of professional actions.
設定を変更すれば、定期的にデータを送信できます。
If you change the settings, you can send data periodically.
Conditional ~ba + potential form.
送信が完了するまで、ブラウザを閉じないでください。
Do not close the browser until the transmission is complete.
Using ~made (until).
誤送信を防ぐためのダブルチェックを徹底しています。
We are thorough with double-checking to prevent mis-sending.
Compound 'go-sōshin' (mis-send).
送信プロトコルの脆弱性が指摘されています。
Vulnerabilities in the transmission protocol have been pointed out.
Technical vocabulary 'vulnerability' and 'protocol'.
情報の送信を制限することで、漏洩のリスクを最小限に抑える。
By restricting the transmission of information, we minimize the risk of leakage.
Using 'koto de' to indicate means.
電波の送信状態が不安定なため、通信が途切れることがあります。
Communication may be interrupted because the signal transmission state is unstable.
Formal causal link 'tame'.
送信されたデータは、弊社のプライバシーポリシーに従って管理されます。
The transmitted data will be managed according to our privacy policy.
Passive voice + 'ni shitagatte' (according to).
このシステムは、異常を検知すると管理者にアラートを送信する仕組みです。
This system is designed to send an alert to the administrator when an anomaly is detected.
Complex sentence structure defining a mechanism.
送信側の意図が正確に伝わらない場合、誤解が生じる可能性がある。
If the sender's intention is not accurately conveyed, misunderstandings may arise.
Abstract nouns and potentiality.
リアルタイムでのデータ送信は、帯域幅に大きな負荷をかける。
Real-time data transmission puts a heavy load on bandwidth.
Technical terms 'real-time' and 'bandwidth'.
送信完了通知が届かない場合は、サポート窓口までご連絡ください。
If the transmission completion notification does not arrive, please contact the support desk.
Formal conditional 'baai'.
量子暗号を用いた情報の送信は、次世代のセキュリティ基盤となる。
Information transmission using quantum cryptography will become the next-generation security foundation.
Advanced technical terminology.
送信権の侵害に関する法的解釈は、国によって異なる。
Legal interpretations regarding the infringement of transmission rights vary by country.
Legal terminology 'transmission rights'.
パケット送信の遅延、いわゆるレイテンシの削減が喫緊の課題である。
Reducing packet transmission delay, so-called latency, is an urgent issue.
Formal academic phrasing 'kikkin no kadai'.
送信機から放射される電磁波が人体に及ぼす影響を調査する。
Investigate the effects of electromagnetic waves emitted from transmitters on the human body.
Scientific/Technical register.
デジタル署名を付与することで、送信者の真正性を担保する。
By attaching a digital signature, the authenticity of the sender is guaranteed.
Formal verbs 'fuyo suru' and 'tanpo suru'.
一方向的な情報の送信ではなく、双方向の対話を重視すべきだ。
We should emphasize two-way dialogue rather than one-way transmission of information.
Philosophical/Communication theory context.
送信データの整合性を保つため、チェックサムが導入されている。
To maintain the integrity of transmitted data, a checksum has been introduced.
Highly technical system description.
宇宙空間における信号送信は、膨大な距離による減衰との戦いである。
Signal transmission in outer space is a battle against attenuation due to vast distances.
Metaphorical yet technical description.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Often Confused With
Idioms & Expressions
Easily Confused
Originating a signal/call vs. sending data.
Broadcasting to many vs. sending to one/specific.
Forwarding something received vs. sending original.
Replying vs. general sending.
Broadcasting (TV/Radio) vs. data transmission.
Sentence Patterns
How to Use It
More formal than 'okuru'.
The standard label for 'Send' buttons.
Strictly for electronic data.
- Using 送信する for physical mail.
- Using 送信する for birthday gifts.
- Confusing 送信 (send) with 受信 (receive).
- Forgetting the 'u' in 'sōshin' (pronouncing it as 'soshin').
- Using it for 'sending' a person to a location.
Tips
Button Recognition
Look for the kanji 送信 on any Japanese website to find the submit or send button.
Suru-Verb Power
Remember that you can attach 'chū' to make '送信中' (Sending...) for status updates.
Email Confirmation
After sending an important file, saying '送信しました' in a follow-up chat is good practice.
Physical Objects
Never use this for packages. If you can touch it, don't '送信' it.
Kanji Practice
The kanji 信 also appears in 'shinjiru' (to believe). Think of sending a 'message of trust'.
Error Messages
If you see '送信に失敗しました', it means your message failed to send.
LINE App
In LINE, the arrow icon represents the '送信' action.
Late Night
Avoid '送信' during late hours to respect others' personal time.
Precision
Use '送信' when you want to sound more technical or precise than 'okuru'.
Signal Strength
Associate '送信' with the bars on your phone signal.
Memorize It
Word Origin
Cultural Context
The word is used in mobile gaming for 'sending' lives or gifts to friends.
Always double-check the '送信先' (recipient) to avoid '誤送信'.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Conversation Starters
"メール、送信した？ (Did you send the email?)"
"送信ボタンが押せません。 (I can't press the send button.)"
"ファイルを送信してもいいですか？ (May I send the file?)"
"送信エラーが出たんだけど、どうすればいい？ (I got a sending error, what should I do?)"
"さっき送信したメッセージ、見た？ (Did you see the message I just sent?)"
Journal Prompts
今日、誰にどんなメールを送信しましたか？ (Who did you send what kind of email to today?)
間違えてメールを送信してしまった経験はありますか？ (Have you ever sent an email by mistake?)
毎日、何通くらいのメッセージを送信しますか？ (About how many messages do you send every day?)
送信ボタンを押すとき、いつも何をチェックしますか？ (What do you always check when you press the send button?)
手紙を送るのとメールを送信するの、どちらが好きですか？ (Do you like sending letters or emails better?)
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, for a physical letter, use '送る' or '出す'. '送信する' is only for digital signals.
Yes, it is a noun meaning 'transmission'. Adding 'suru' makes it the verb 'to transmit'.
The opposite is '受信' (jushin), which means 'reception' or 'receiving data'.
It is usually called '送信済みアイテム' or simply '送信済み'.
It is a neutral, slightly formal word. In business, it is very appropriate.
No, use '送る' (okuru) to see someone off or escort them.
It means 'mass sending' or sending the same message to many people at once.
It means the 'sender' or the 'source' of the transmission.
Usually, '発信' (hasshin) is used for making a call, but '送信' can be used for the data sent during the call.
Yes, 'okuru' is '送る'. 'Sōshin' uses the same '送' plus '信'.
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Summary
送信する (sōshin suru) is your go-to verb for 'sending' anything that travels through a wire or wireless signal. It is formal, precise, and ubiquitous in the digital age, appearing on almost every 'Send' button in Japan.
- Used for sending digital data like emails and messages.
- A formal suru-verb common in business and technical UI.
- Distinguished from 'okuru' which is for physical items.
- Essential for navigating Japanese apps and professional settings.
Button Recognition
Look for the kanji 送信 on any Japanese website to find the submit or send button.
Suru-Verb Power
Remember that you can attach 'chū' to make '送信中' (Sending...) for status updates.
Email Confirmation
After sending an important file, saying '送信しました' in a follow-up chat is good practice.
Physical Objects
Never use this for packages. If you can touch it, don't '送信' it.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More business words
遅めに
B1Late or later than usual.
経理
B1Accounting, accounts department; managing financial records.
的確な
B1Accurate; precise; exactly correct.
達成する
B1To achieve; to accomplish a goal.
活性化
B2To make something more active, lively, or effective. It is used for communities (revitalization), economies (stimulation), and biological processes (activation).
付加
B2To add or attach something extra to an existing thing to increase its value or function.
優位性
B2The state of being in a superior or more advantageous position compared to others; an edge or competitive advantage.
有利
A2Advantageous, favorable; beneficial in a situation.
有利に
B1Advantageously; favorably.
宣伝する
B1To promote; to publicize; to advertise.
