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B2 noun 9 min read

送付

soufu

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 送付 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 送付 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use '送付' (soufu) yet. Instead, you will learn the simple verb '送る' (okuru), which means 'to send.' For example, '手紙を送ります' (I will send a letter). 'Soufu' is a more difficult word because it uses two kanji and is used in formal situations. A1 learners should focus on 'okuru' first to talk about sending emails, presents, or cards to friends and family. Think of 'okuru' as the friendly, everyday version of 'sending.' You might see 'soufu' on a website button, but you don't need to speak it yet. Just remember that 'okuru' is your best friend for now!

At the A2 level, you might start seeing '送付' (soufu) in simple business emails or on delivery forms. You are beginning to learn 'Suru-verbs' (nouns that become verbs by adding 'suru'). 'Soufu' is one of these. While you still use 'okuru' for most things, you can start recognizing 'soufu' as a formal way to say 'sending documents.' If you see '送付先' (soufu-saki) on a package, it means 'the place where it is sent' or 'the address.' It is good to know that this word is more polite than 'okuru' and is used when you want to sound professional, like when you are talking to a teacher or a boss.

At the B1 level, you should begin to actively use '送付' (soufu) in formal writing. When you write an email to a company or apply for a part-time job, using '履歴書を送付します' (I will send my resume) sounds much better than 'okurimasu.' At this level, you are learning the difference between casual Japanese and 'Business Japanese.' 'Soufu' is a key word for this. You should also learn the compound '送付状' (soufu-jou), which is a 'cover letter' or 'transmittal letter.' Understanding that 'soufu' is for things and information, and not for people, is an important distinction you should master now.

At the B2 level, '送付' (soufu) should be a natural part of your professional vocabulary. You should be able to distinguish it clearly from similar words like '送信' (transmission), '発送' (shipping), and '郵送' (mailing). You should also be comfortable using it in various Keigo (honorific) forms, such as '送付いたしました' (humble) or 'ご送付ください' (polite request). At this level, you understand the nuance that 'soufu' implies a formal delivery of specific materials. You are also expected to know related terms like '送付先変更' (change of delivery address) and how to use the word in complex sentences with particles like 'にて' (by means of).

At the C1 level, you use '送付' (soufu) with precision in legal, academic, and high-level corporate contexts. You understand its role in bureaucratic procedures and can use it in passive or causative-passive constructions. You are also aware of even more specialized synonyms like '交付' (koufu - official issuance) or '回付' (kaifu - circular sending) and know exactly when 'soufu' is the appropriate choice vs. these more technical terms. Your use of 'soufu' is perfectly integrated with advanced honorifics, and you can explain the etymological roots of the kanji if necessary. You might use it in formal reports to describe the flow of information within an organization.

At the C2 level, '送付' (soufu) is just one of many tools in your expansive linguistic arsenal. You have a native-like command of its nuances, including its historical connotations and its placement in the hierarchy of formal Japanese. You can write complex legal contracts or academic papers where 'soufu' is used to define the exact moment of 'transfer of possession' of documents. You can also appreciate the word's appearance in literature or high-level journalism, where it might be used to create a specific tone of clinical distance or official gravity. You are capable of debating the subtle differences between 'soufu' and its archaic predecessors in the Japanese language.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

送付 in 30 Seconds

送付 (soufu) is a formal Japanese word used specifically for sending documents, files, or materials in business and official contexts.
It is a suru-verb, meaning you add 'suru' to make it an action, and it is more polite than the common verb 'okuru'.
It can refer to both physical mail and digital attachments, but it is never used for sending people or abstract feelings.
Commonly paired with honorifics like 'itashimasu', it is an essential term for anyone working in a Japanese office environment.

The Japanese word 送付 (そうふ, soufu) is a formal noun and suru-verb that specifically refers to the act of sending documents, physical materials, or items to a designated recipient or destination. While the basic verb okuru (送る) covers all types of sending—from sending a text message to sending a person home—送付 is strictly reserved for professional, administrative, or formal contexts involving tangible or electronic files and goods. It carries a nuance of 'dispatching with purpose,' often implying a professional obligation or a formal request being fulfilled.

Professional Context: In Japanese business culture, clarity and formality are paramount. Using 'soufu' instead of 'okuru' signals that the sender is operating within a professional framework. It is most commonly seen in email subject lines, cover letters (soufu-jou), and shipping invoices.

The kanji composition provides deep insight into its usage. The first character, 送 (sou), means 'to send' or 'to escort.' It consists of the 'road' radical (辶), suggesting movement along a path. The second character, 付 (fu), means 'to attach,' 'to adhere,' or 'to hand over.' When combined, they describe the act of moving something so that it becomes attached or delivered to the recipient's possession. This is why the word is so frequently used for attachments in emails or documents sent via post.

契約書の原本を本日送付いたしましたので、ご査収ください。(I have sent the original contract today; please kindly review it.)

Historically, the concept of formal dispatch has been vital in Japanese bureaucracy. From the Ritsuryo system of ancient Japan to the complex postal networks of the Edo period, the vocabulary used to describe the movement of information often reflected the status of the sender and receiver. Today, 送付 remains a staple of Keigo (honorific language) environments, bridging the gap between physical mail and digital communication.

Grammar Note: As a suru-verb, it takes the form '送付する'. In passive contexts, such as 'The documents were sent,' it becomes '送付された'. In humble form (Kenjougo), it is often '送付いたしました'.

資料の送付先を教えていただけますか？ (Could you tell me the destination for sending the materials?)

Understanding the distinction between 送付 and its synonyms is crucial for B2 level learners. Unlike soushin (送信), which is strictly for electronic signals (emails, data), 送付 can be both physical and digital. Unlike hassou (発送), which focuses on the moment an item leaves a warehouse, 送付 covers the entire conceptual act of sending to a person. It is the 'goldilocks' word for professional correspondence—neither too specific nor too vague.

Using 送付 correctly requires an understanding of Japanese sentence patterns, particularly those involving particles and formal verb endings. The most common structure is [Object] を [Recipient] に送付する. Because this word is formal, it is rarely used with the 'da' or 'desu' copula alone in speech; it is almost always paired with its verb form 'suru' or its more polite variants.

Standard Business Pattern: The phrase '送付いたしました' (soufu itashimashita) is the standard humble way to inform a client or superior that you have sent something. It shows respect by lowering your own action.

ご依頼のありましたカタログを本日送付いたしました。 (I have sent the catalog you requested today.)

When asking someone to send you something, you use the request form 送付してください (soufu shite kudasai) or the even more polite ご送付いただけますでしょうか (go-soufu itadakemasu deshou ka). Note the addition of the honorific prefix 'go-' (ご) before 'soufu' when referring to the other person's action. This is a key marker of B2-level proficiency—knowing when to apply 'go-' to kango (Chinese-origin) words.

詳細については、後ほどメールにて資料を送付します。 (Regarding the details, I will send the materials via email later.)

Another frequent usage is in the compound 送付先 (soufu-saki), meaning 'the destination' or 'the address to which something is sent.' This is commonly found on web forms or shipping labels. You might hear a clerk ask, '送付先はどちらになさいますか？' (Where would you like the destination to be?). This demonstrates how the word functions as a building block for more complex bureaucratic terms.

Passive Usage: In reports, you might see: '必要書類はすべて期限内に送付された' (All necessary documents were sent within the deadline). Here, the focus is on the completion of the task rather than the person doing it.

請求書はPDF形式で送付させていただきます。 (I will take the liberty of sending the invoice in PDF format.)

One subtle point: 送付 is rarely used for people. You wouldn't 'soufu' your children to school or 'soufu' a friend to the airport. For people, you must use 'okuru' (送る) or 'okuri-todokeru' (送り届ける). 送付 is strictly for 'things' and 'information.' This distinction is vital to avoid sounding robotic or unintentionally rude when talking about human beings.

If you work in a Japanese office or interact with Japanese government agencies, you will hear 送付 daily. It is the default term for the movement of paperwork. When a colleague says, 'あの書類、送付しておいたよ' (I've sent those documents), they are using a slightly casual version of a formal word, which is common among peers in a professional setting.

In E-commerce: When you buy something on a Japanese site like Rakuten or Amazon Japan, the confirmation email often uses 'soufu' in the context of the shipping address (送付先住所). While 'hassou' (shipping) is used for the action of the box leaving the warehouse, 'soufu' is used for the administrative record of where it is going.

メールの添付ファイルにて、お見積書を送付いたします。 (I am sending the estimate via email attachment.)

You will also encounter this word in legal settings. Lawyers 'soufu' evidence to courts; banks 'soufu' updated terms and conditions to their customers. In these cases, the word carries the weight of official notification. If you receive a letter from the city hall (Kuyakusho), the text will likely state that certain documents are being 'soufu'ed to you, emphasizing that this is a formal administrative action.

In Academic Circles: Universities use 'soufu' when sending out diplomas or entrance exam results. It denotes the importance and official nature of the items being moved from the institution to the individual.

新しい保険証は、来週中にご自宅へ送付される予定です。 (The new insurance card is scheduled to be sent to your home sometime next week.)

Even in modern tech startups, while 'Slack' and 'Discord' might use more casual language, any communication that leaves the company (outward-facing) will revert to using 送付. It is a linguistic 'suit and tie' for information. If you are writing a LinkedIn message to a Japanese recruiter, using this word to describe your resume (rirekisho) will immediately make you appear more professional and culturally aware.

One of the most common pitfalls for learners is confusing 送付 (soufu) with 送信 (soushin). While both involve sending, soushin is specifically for 'transmitting' electronic data or signals. You soushin an email (the message itself), but you soufu the files attached to that email. If you say 'ファイルを送信しました' (I transmitted the file), it's technically okay, but 'ファイルを送付しました' (I sent/dispatched the file) sounds more like you are delivering a specific document.

Mistake 1: Using it for people: Never say '友人を駅まで送付した'. This sounds like you put your friend in a box and mailed them to the station. Use '送った' (okutta) instead.

× 友達にプレゼントを送付した。
○ 友達にプレゼントを送った。

Another mistake is over-using it in casual situations. If you are telling a friend you'll send them a photo over LINE, using 送付 sounds incredibly stiff and awkward—almost like you're treating your friend like a business client. In casual settings, '送る' (okuru) is always the better choice. Reserve 送付 for when there is a clear 'sender' and 'recipient' in a formal or semi-formal transaction.

Mistake 2: Confusing with 'Hassou': 'Hassou' (発送) is about the departure. 'Soufu' (送付) is about the act of providing. If you are the customer, you ask the company to 'soufu' the catalog to you; you don't usually ask them to 'hassou' it to you, though they will 'hassou' it from their end.

混乱しやすい例：
「メールを送付しました」(It sounds like you sent a specific document via email)
「メールを送信しました」(It sounds like you clicked 'send' on the message itself)

Finally, watch out for the 'go-' prefix. While 'go-soufu' is correct when talking about someone else's action, saying '私からご送付しました' (I [honorifically] sent it) is a 'double honorific' error (Kenjougo vs Sonkeigo confusion). Since it's your own action, you should use the humble '送付いたしました' without the 'go-' prefix unless you are using a very specific set of humble patterns.

To truly master 送付, you must see where it sits in the constellation of Japanese 'sending' words. Each has a specific domain, and using the wrong one can change the meaning of your sentence significantly.

送付 (Soufu) vs. 送信 (Soushin): Soufu is for documents/items (physical or digital). Soushin is for the transmission of data/signals. You 'soushin' a fax, but you 'soufu' the content of the document being faxed.
送付 (Soufu) vs. 郵送 (Yousou): Yousou is specifically 'by mail' (Japan Post). If you send a file via email, you cannot use 'yousou,' but you can use 'soufu'.
送付 (Soufu) vs. 発送 (Hassou): Hassou is 'shipping' or 'dispatching' goods. It is heavily used in logistics and warehouse contexts. 'Soufu' is more administrative and document-focused.

比較表：
1. 荷物を発送する (Ship a package)
2. 書類を送付する (Send a document)
3. メールを送信する (Send/Transmit an email)
4. 手紙を郵送する (Mail a letter)

There are also even more formal alternatives like 進呈 (shintei), which means to give something as a gift or prize formally, or 交付 (koufu), which is specifically for a government body 'issuing' a document like a license or a passport to a citizen. If you are applying for a visa, the embassy will 'koufu' the visa to you, not just 'soufu' it.

For B2 learners, the key is to stop relying on 'okuru' for everything. While 'okuru' is never 'wrong,' it is the 'easy' word. Using 送付, 送信, and 発送 correctly demonstrates that you have moved beyond basic communication and into the nuanced world of adult Japanese society (Shakai-jin).

Summary of Usage: Use 'Soufu' when the focus is on the object being delivered (document/file) in a formal setting. It is the most versatile professional term for 'sending stuff.'

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character '付' (fu) depicts a person (人) and a hand (寸), symbolizing the act of handing something over to another person directly. This is why 'soufu' feels so personal and official compared to just 'sending' through the air.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈsoʊfuː/

US /ˈsoʊfuː/

The pitch accent in Japanese is typically 'Heiban' (flat), meaning the pitch stays relatively consistent across both morae: [so-u-fu].

Rhymes With

Koufu (Issuance) Joufu (Lover - archaic) Goufu (Talisman) Kyoufu (Fear) Shoufu (Merchant) Toufu (Tofu) Houfu (Abundant) Ryofuu (Cool breeze)

Common Errors

Pronouncing it as 'so-fu' (short o), which sounds like 'grandfather' (sofu).
Over-emphasizing the 'u' at the end, making it sound like three distinct syllables.
Confusing the pitch with 'shoufu' (concubine), which is a completely different word.
Pronouncing 'fu' with a hard English 'f' (teeth on lip) instead of the Japanese bilabial 'f'.
Ignoring the long 'o' (ou) vowel sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The kanji are common but require N3/N2 level knowledge to read reliably without furigana.

Writing 4/5

Writing '送' and '付' correctly requires attention to stroke order and radicals.

Speaking 2/5

The pronunciation is simple and follows standard patterns.

Listening 3/5

Can be confused with 'soushin' or 'sofu' if not listening carefully.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

送る (Okuru) 付く (Tsuku) 資料 (Shiryou) 書類 (Shorui) 住所 (Juusho)

Learn Next

送信 (Soushin) 発送 (Hassou) ご査収 (Gosashuu) 添付 (Tenpu) 受領 (Juryou)

Advanced

交付 (Koufu) 下付 (Kafu) 送致 (Souchi) 移送 (Isou) 委託 (Itaku)

Grammar to Know

Suru-Verbs (N+する)

送付する、練習する、勉強する

Humble Language (〜いたしました)

送付いたしました、確認いたしました

Honorific Prefix (ご/お)

ご送付、お手紙、ご住所

Particle 'nite' (〜にて)

メールにて送付、郵送にて送付

Passive Voice (〜される)

書類が送付される、指示される

Examples by Level

資料をメールで送ります。

I will send the materials by email. (Using the simpler 'okuru')

A1 level uses 'okuru' instead of 'soufu'.

ここに名前を書いてください。

Please write your name here. (Context: filling a form)

Basic instruction on a form where 'soufu' might appear.

手紙を送りました。

I sent a letter.

Past tense of 'okuru'.

荷物はどこですか？

Where is the luggage/package?

Identifying the object of 'soufu'.

これは私の住所です。

This is my address.

Basic noun 'juusho' (address).

明日、送ります。

I will send it tomorrow.

Future intent with 'okuru'.

メールをチェックしてください。

Please check your email.

Action following a 'soufu'.

写真を送ってください。

Please send the photo.

Requesting an item to be sent.

書類を送付します。

I will send the documents. (Formal)

Introduction of 'soufu' as a suru-verb.

送付先を教えてください。

Please tell me the destination.

Compound noun 'soufu-saki'.

カタログを送付してください。

Please send the catalog.

Using 'soufu' for a request.

昨日、資料を送付しました。

I sent the materials yesterday.

Past tense 'soufu shimashita'.

メールで送付できますか？

Can you send it by email?

Potential form 'soufu dekimasu'.

この住所に送付してください。

Please send it to this address.

Particle 'ni' for destination.

送付の準備ができました。

The preparation for sending is ready.

Noun 'soufu' followed by 'no'.

ファイルを送付しました。

I sent the file.

Using 'soufu' for digital files.

履歴書を郵送で送付いたしました。

I sent my resume by mail. (Humble)

Combining 'yousou' (mail) and 'soufu' (send).

必要書類を本日送付しましたので、ご確認ください。

I sent the necessary documents today, so please check them.

Use of 'node' (because/so) for explanation.

請求書の送付が遅れて申し訳ありません。

I am sorry that the sending of the invoice is late.

Noun 'soufu' as the subject of the sentence.

詳細な資料を別途送付いたします。

I will send detailed materials separately.

Adverb 'betto' (separately) with 'soufu'.

送付状を忘れずに付けてください。

Please don't forget to attach a cover letter.

Compound 'soufu-jou' (cover letter).

こちらから資料をご送付しましょうか？

Shall I send the materials from our side?

Humble 'go-soufu shimashou ka'.

送付先の住所が間違っていました。

The destination address was wrong.

Describing an error in the 'soufu' process.

PDF形式で送付していただけますか？

Could you send it in PDF format?

Polite request 'itadakemasu ka'.

ご依頼の資料を本日送付いたしましたので、ご査収ください。

I have sent the requested materials today; please kindly review them.

Classic business phrase 'go-sashuu kudasai'.

契約書の原本は、追って送付させていただきます。

I will take the liberty of sending the original contract later.

Humble 'sasete itadakimasu'.

送付された書類に不備がございました。

There was a deficiency in the sent documents.

Passive past 'soufu sareta'.

メールの添付ファイルにて送付いたします。

I will send it via email attachment.

Formal particle 'nite' (by means of).

パンフレットの送付を希望される方は、こちらからどうぞ。

Those who wish to have a pamphlet sent, please proceed here.

Noun 'soufu' with 'kibou' (wish/request).

宛先不明のため、書類が送付元へ戻ってきました。

Because the recipient was unknown, the documents returned to the sender.

Compound 'soufu-moto' (the sender/origin).

至急、サンプルを送付していただけないでしょうか。

Could you please send the sample urgently?

Urgent request 'shikyuu'.

送付手続きが完了しましたら、改めてご連絡します。

Once the sending procedure is complete, I will contact you again.

Compound 'soufu tetsuzuki' (sending procedure).

証拠書類の送付にあたっては、厳重な管理が求められる。

Strict management is required when sending evidentiary documents.

Grammar 'ni atatte wa' (upon/when).

当該書類は、関係各所に一斉に送付された。

The documents in question were sent to all relevant parties simultaneously.

Adverb 'issei ni' (all at once).

送付の有無を確認するため、受領書を返送してください。

To confirm whether it was sent or not, please return the receipt.

Compound 'soufu no umu' (whether sent or not).

電子署名を付与した上で、ファイルを送付します。

I will send the file after applying an electronic signature.

Grammar 'ue de' (after doing...).

送付物の内容が、送り状の記載と相違しています。

The contents of the sent item differ from the description on the invoice.

Noun 'soufu-butsu' (sent items).

個人情報保護の観点から、パスワードを別送して送付する。

From the perspective of personal information protection, the password will be sent separately.

Compound 'bessou' (sending separately).

規定に基づき、速やかに書類を送付しなければならない。

Based on the regulations, the documents must be sent promptly.

Grammar 'ni motozuki' (based on).

送付を委託している業者からの報告を待つ。

We are waiting for a report from the contractor to whom we outsourced the sending.

Verb 'itaku suru' (to outsource/entrust).

公文書の送付は、国家の行政手続きにおける枢要な一環である。

The dispatch of official documents is a vital part of national administrative procedures.

Academic tone with '枢要' (pivotal).

書簡の送付をもって、正式な通知と見なすものとする。

The sending of the letter shall be regarded as official notification.

Grammar 'wo motte' (by means of/as of).

情報の送付における秘匿性の確保が、現代社会の課題である。

Ensuring confidentiality in the sending of information is a challenge of modern society.

Noun 'hitokusei' (confidentiality).

送付の遅延が契約不履行に該当する可能性を検討する。

We are considering the possibility that the delay in sending constitutes a breach of contract.

Legal term 'keiyaku furi kou' (breach of contract).

歴史的資料の送付過程で、一部の毀損が確認された。

During the process of sending historical materials, some damage was confirmed.

Noun 'kison' (damage/defacement).

送付という行為が持つ、意思伝達の象徴的意味を考察する。

We will examine the symbolic meaning of communication held by the act of sending.

Abstract philosophical tone.

原本の送付を省略し、電子データのみで完結させる運用に移行した。

We have transitioned to an operation that omits the sending of originals and completes everything with electronic data only.

Business transformation terminology.

送付先不明による還付書類の山を前に、担当者は途方に暮れた。

Faced with a mountain of returned documents due to unknown destinations, the person in charge was at a loss.

Idiomatic expression 'tohou ni kureta'.

Synonyms

送信郵送転送発送

Antonyms

受信受領

Common Collocations

書類を送付する

送付先住所

資料の送付

メールで送付

送付状を添える

至急送付

別途送付

送付手続き

原本を送付

一斉送付

Common Phrases

送付いたします

— Humble way to say 'I will send'. Used in business emails.

資料を送付いたします。

ご送付ください

— Polite request for someone to send something to you.

請求書をご送付ください。

送付させていただきます

— Very polite humble form, literally 'I will receive the favor of sending'.

パンフレットを送付させていただきます。

送付済

— Already sent. Often seen as a status on forms or software.

この書類は送付済です。

送付元

— The sender or the origin point of the shipment.

送付元を確認してください。

送付先

— The recipient or the destination address.

送付先を変更したいのですが。

送付案内

— A notification that something has been sent.

資料の送付案内メールが届いた。

送付不可

— Cannot be sent. Used for restricted items or invalid addresses.

この地域は送付不可です。

郵送にて送付

— Sending specifically via physical mail.

原本を郵送にて送付します。

データで送付

— Sending via digital data (email, cloud, etc.).

データを送付しましたので、ご確認ください。

Often Confused With

送付 vs 祖父 (Sofu)

Pronounced with a short 'o', it means 'grandfather'. 'Soufu' has a long 'o'.

送付 vs 送信 (Soushin)

Refers to the act of transmitting data/signals. 'Soufu' refers to the object being sent.

送付 vs 発送 (Hassou)

Refers to the shipping of goods. 'Soufu' is more common for documents.

Idioms & Expressions

"送付状に目を通す"

— To look through the cover letter. Implies checking the summary before the main content.

まずは送付状に目を通してください。

Formal

"送付先を間違える"

— To send to the wrong address. A common professional blunder.

送付先を間違えるという失態を演じた。

Neutral

"至急の送付を仰ぐ"

— To request an urgent sending from a superior or client.

先方に至急の送付を仰いだ。

Very Formal

"送付の労を取る"

— To take the trouble of sending something. A very polite way to acknowledge someone's effort.

送付の労を取っていただき、感謝します。

Honorific

"送付の件"

— Regarding the matter of sending. Common in email subjects.

資料送付の件でご連絡しました。

Business

"送付をもって代える"

— To let the act of sending serve as [a substitute for something else, like a greeting].

発送をもって発表に代えさせていただきます。

Formal/Public

"送付の記録を残す"

— To keep a record of what was sent. Vital for legal compliance.

必ず送付の記録を残しておいてください。

Business

"送付を控える"

— To refrain from sending. Used during sensitive times or when info is incomplete.

現在は情報の送付を控えています。

Formal

"送付が滞る"

— Sending is delayed or stagnant.

物流の混乱で送付が滞っている。

Neutral

"送付の段取り"

— The arrangements or plans for sending.

送付の段取りを整える。

Neutral

Easily Confused

送付 vs 送信

Both mean 'send'.

Soushin is for digital transmission (signals/messages). Soufu is for the items/documents themselves.

メールを送信する vs 添付ファイルを手配して送付する。

送付 vs 配送

Both involve delivery.

Haisou is the physical delivery process (trucks/couriers). Soufu is the administrative act of sending.

荷物を配送する vs 資料を送付する。

送付 vs 郵送

Both can mean sending by mail.

Yousou is restricted to the postal service. Soufu can be mail, email, or hand-delivery.

書類を郵送する vs 資料をメールで送付する。

送付 vs 転送

Both involve moving items.

Tensou is forwarding something you received. Soufu is sending something you originated.

メールを転送する vs 資料を新規に送付する。

送付 vs 交付

Both involve giving documents.

Koufu is specifically for official bodies issuing documents to individuals.

パスポートを交付する vs 契約書を送付する。

Sentence Patterns

[Object] を [Destination] に送付します。

資料を会社に送付します。

[Object] を [Method] で送付いたしました。

履歴書を郵送で送付いたしました。

[Object] の送付をお願いします。

パンフレットの送付をお願いします。

[Object] を送付しましたので、ご査収ください。

見積書を送付しましたので、ご査収ください。

送付先は [Address] になります。

送付先は東京本社になります。

[Object] の送付にあたっては、[Action] が必要です。

原本の送付にあたっては、書留の利用が必要です。

[Reason] につき、送付を見合わせる。

書類不備につき、送付を見合わせる。

[Object] の送付をもって [Result] とする。

商品の送付をもって、当選の発表とさせていただきます。

Word Family

Nouns

送付 (Soufu - Sending)

送付先 (Soufu-saki - Destination)

送付状 (Soufu-jou - Cover letter)

送付物 (Soufu-butsu - Sent items)

Verbs

送付する (Soufu suru - To send)

送付される (Soufu sareru - To be sent)

送付させる (Soufu saseru - To make someone send)

送る (Okuru - To send)

送信 (Soushin - To transmit)

配送 (Haisou - To deliver)

郵送 (Yousou - To mail)

転送 (Tensou - To forward)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in professional and administrative Japanese.

Common Mistakes

Using 'soufu' for friends. → okuru
It sounds too cold and overly formal for personal relationships.
Saying 'soufu' for people. → okuru
You cannot 'dispatch' a person like a document. It sounds like you are treating them as an object.
Confusing 'soufu' with 'sofu'. → soufu (long o)
Shortening the vowel changes the meaning to 'grandfather'.
Using 'soufu' for an email message text. → soushin
The act of clicking 'send' on a message is 'soushin'. 'Soufu' is for the materials sent.
Incorrect humble form 'go-soufu itashimashita'. → soufu itashimashita
Adding 'go-' to your own humble action is often considered incorrect 'double honorific' usage.

Tips

Always use a Cover Letter

When sending physical documents, include a 'soufu-jou'. It shows professionalism and helps the recipient organize their paperwork.

Pronunciation Matters

Ensure the 'ou' is long. A short 'o' changes the word to 'grandfather', which can lead to funny but embarrassing misunderstandings.

Email Subject Lines

Use '【送付】' at the beginning of your email subject line to clearly indicate that you are sending requested files.

Particle Choice

Use 'ni' for the recipient (person/company) and 'e' or 'made' for the physical destination (location).

Formal vs. Informal

If you are unsure, use 'okuru' in casual settings and 'soufu' in any setting where money or contracts are involved.

Kanji radicals

Remember that '送' has the road radical (辶). This helps you remember it's about movement along a path.

Digital Attachments

Even though it's digital, 'soufu' is the preferred word for file attachments in professional Japanese.

The 'Fu' Connection

Connect 'Fu' (付) to 'attachment'. If you attach it, you 'soufu' it.

Timing

In Japan, 'soufu' should be done as quickly as possible. 'Soku-soufu' (immediate sending) is highly valued.

Word Pairs

Learn 'soufu' and '受領' (juryou - receipt) together as a pair. One sends, the other receives.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'SO-u' as 'SO fast' and 'FU' as 'Files'. You are sending 'SO fast Files' to your boss. Also, notice 'FU' is the same as in 'Tofu'—imagine mailing a block of Tofu in a formal document envelope.

Visual Association

Imagine a white business envelope with a small paperclip icon hovering over it. This represents the 'attachment' (付) being 'sent' (送) via a formal channel.

Word Web

Business Document Email Post Address Formal Attachment Process

Challenge

Try to write a three-sentence email in Japanese using '送付いたしました' and 'ご査収ください'. Then, try to explain to a friend why you can't 'soufu' them to the movies.

Word Origin

The word is a 'kango' (Sino-Japanese word) composed of two characters: '送' and '付'. Both characters were imported from Classical Chinese into the Japanese writing system centuries ago.

Original meaning: In Classical Chinese, '送' (sòng) meant to accompany a departing person or to deliver a gift. '付' (fù) meant to entrust, give, or hand over.

Sino-Japanese (Kango)

Cultural Context

Be careful not to use 'soufu' for religious or highly sentimental items unless the context is administrative (like mailing a temple's financial report). For gifts, 'okuru' or 'zoutei' is better.

In English, we often just say 'I'm sending the file' or 'I've attached the file.' Japanese is much more specific about the formality and the nature of the item being sent.

Business Japanese textbooks like 'Genki' or 'An Integrated Approach to Intermediate Japanese' often feature 'soufu' as a key transition word into professional speech. Japanese government websites (e.g., MEXT) use 'soufu' in almost every downloadable form section. Corporate 'Manner' books in Japan dedicate entire chapters to the proper way to 'soufu' documents.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Job Application

履歴書を送付する
メールにて送付
送付状を添える
ご検討ください

E-commerce

送付先住所
送付先変更
送料無料
送付状況

Office Work

資料を送付いたしました
見積書の送付
至急送付願います
ファイルを送付

Government/Admin

申請書の送付
原本を送付
郵送での送付
送付期限

Customer Support

カタログを送付します
送付先を教えてください
再送付
送付の確認

Conversation Starters

"資料の送付先は、こちらのメールアドレスでよろしいでしょうか？ (Is this email address okay for sending the materials?)"

"先ほど送付した書類の中に、不備はございませんでしたか？ (Were there any errors in the documents I sent earlier?)"

"原本を送付する必要がありますか、それともPDFで足りますか？ (Do I need to send the original, or is a PDF sufficient?)"

"カタログの送付をお願いしたいのですが、どちらに連絡すればいいですか？ (I'd like to request a catalog; who should I contact?)"

"送付状の書き方について、アドバイスをいただけますか？ (Could you give me some advice on how to write a cover letter?)"

Journal Prompts

今日、仕事や学校で誰かに何かを送付しましたか？何を送りましたか？ (Did you send anything to anyone today for work or school? What did you send?)

送付状を書くとき、どのようなことに気をつけますか？ (What do you pay attention to when writing a cover letter?)

デジタルで資料を送付するのと、郵送で送付するの、どちらが好きですか？理由は？ (Do you prefer sending materials digitally or by mail? Why?)

間違った相手に重要な書類を送付してしまったら、どうしますか？ (What would you do if you sent important documents to the wrong person?)

最近、送付されてきたものの中で一番嬉しかったものは何ですか？ (What is the thing you were most happy to have sent to you recently?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is not recommended. 'Soufu' is very formal and will make you sound like you are treating your friend like a business client. Use 'okuru' or 'okutte' instead.

Yes, but 'hassou' (shipping) or 'okuru' is more common for food or large goods. 'Soufu' is most common for documents, catalogs, and small samples.

It is a cover letter included with sent documents. It lists the sender, recipient, date, and the contents of the package. It is a vital part of Japanese business etiquette.

No. 'Soufu' is only for objects and information. For people, use 'okuru' (送る).

You 'soushin' the email message itself. You 'soufu' the attachments or the information contained within. In a subject line, '資料送付' (Sending Materials) is very common.

Yes, 'go-soufu' is the honorific form used when referring to the other person's action of sending something to you.

Use 'yousou' when you want to specifically emphasize that the method of delivery is the postal service (Japan Post).

Yes, 'soufu sareru' (to be sent) is common in reports or when the sender is not the focus.

It means 'Shipping Address' or 'Delivery Destination'.

You should say 'すでに送付いたしました' (Sudeni soufu itashimashita).