A postage stamp is a mandatory token of payment for mailing letters and postcards.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A small adhesive label used to pay for postage.
- Commonly attached to the top-left corner of envelopes.
- Often collected as a hobby known as philately.
使用パターン：名詞として使われ、「切手を貼る」「切手を買う」「切手を集める」といった動詞と組み合わせて使用します。郵便物を出す際は、封筒の左上隅に貼るのが一般的です。
- 1一般的な文脈：日常生活において、手紙やはがきを出す際に必ず必要となります。また、趣味として世界中の切手を収集する「切手収集（フィラテリー）」も根強い人気があります。近年は電子メールが主流ですが、贈り物や公式な通知には依然として手紙が使われるため、切手は重要な役割を担っています。
- 1類似語との比較：『印紙（いんし）』は税金や手数料を納めるためのもので、郵便には使えません。『シール』は装飾用であり、郵便料金の支払い機能はありません。切手はあくまで郵便専用の支払い手段であるという点が決定的な違いです。
Examples
手紙を出すために切手を貼った。
everydayI put a stamp on the letter to send it.
記念切手を収集するのが趣味です。
formalMy hobby is collecting commemorative stamps.
ちょっと切手を買ってくるね。
informalI'm going to go buy some stamps.
郵便料金の改定に伴い、切手の種類を確認する。
academicCheck the types of stamps due to the postal rate revision.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
切手代
Cost of stamps
記念切手
Commemorative stamp
切手収集
Stamp collecting
Often Confused With
Revenue stamps are used for taxes and official fees, not for mail. They cannot be used to pay for postage.
Seals are for decoration or sealing envelopes. They do not have monetary value for postal services.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word 'kitte' is neutral and commonly used in all registers. It is specifically linked to the postal system. Always ensure the value on the stamp matches the current mailing rate.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 'kitte' with 'inshi' (revenue stamp). Remember that 'kitte' is exclusively for mail. Some beginners also forget that stamps go in the top-left corner.
Tips
Always check current postal rates
Postal rates change occasionally. Check the Japan Post website before mailing to ensure you have the correct amount.
Avoid using tape over stamps
Do not cover stamps with clear tape, as the post office needs to cancel them with a date stamp.
Special commemorative stamps
Japan releases seasonal and limited-edition commemorative stamps. Many people enjoy collecting these beautiful designs.
Word Origin
The word comes from 'kirite' (cut-hand), referring to the process of cutting stamps from a larger sheet. Over time, it evolved into the modern term for postage stamps.
Cultural Context
Japan has a strong culture of 'tegami' (handwritten letters), and seasonal stamps are highly valued for their artistic representation of Japanese culture. Post offices often release limited designs that sell out quickly.
Memory Tip
Think of 'kitte' as 'kit' (a set) for 'te' (letter/hand). You need this 'kit' to send your 'letter'.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions郵便局の窓口や、切手を扱っているコンビニエンスストアで購入できます。最近では一部の郵便局でキャッシュレス決済も可能です。
料金不足の郵便物は、差出人に返送されるか、受取人が不足分を支払う必要があります。送る前に必ず郵便料金を確認しましょう。
基本的に切手に有効期限はありません。古い切手でも、現在の郵便料金と合算して使えば問題ありません。
日本の切手は日本国内の郵便サービス専用です。海外に送る場合は、その国の郵便ルールに従う必要があります。
Test Yourself
手紙を出すために、封筒に___を貼ります。
郵便料金を支払う証明書は「切手」です。
切手について正しい説明はどれですか？
切手は郵便サービスを利用するための料金支払手段です。
（郵便局で / 切手を / 買いました / 私は）
「誰が」「どこで」「何を」「どうした」の語順が自然です。
Score: /3
Summary
A postage stamp is a mandatory token of payment for mailing letters and postcards.
- A small adhesive label used to pay for postage.
- Commonly attached to the top-left corner of envelopes.
- Often collected as a hobby known as philately.
Always check current postal rates
Postal rates change occasionally. Check the Japan Post website before mailing to ensure you have the correct amount.
Avoid using tape over stamps
Do not cover stamps with clear tape, as the post office needs to cancel them with a date stamp.
Special commemorative stamps
Japan releases seasonal and limited-edition commemorative stamps. Many people enjoy collecting these beautiful designs.
Examples
4 of 4手紙を出すために切手を貼った。
I put a stamp on the letter to send it.
記念切手を収集するのが趣味です。
My hobby is collecting commemorative stamps.
ちょっと切手を買ってくるね。
I'm going to go buy some stamps.
郵便料金の改定に伴い、切手の種類を確認する。
Check the types of stamps due to the postal rate revision.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
More communication words
について
A2about; concerning
宛先
B1The address or name of the recipient to whom mail or an email is sent.
番地
A2House number
賛同
B1Approval, endorsement; support or agreement with an idea.
~も
A2Too, also.
〜そして
A1And then; and (used to connect sentences or clauses).
たり
A2Indicates a non-exhaustive list of actions/states ('and so on').
〜や
A2And; and so forth (used to list examples, implying others exist).
お知らせ
B1Notice; an announcement or communication.
答え
A2A thing said, written, or done as a reaction to a question or statement.
