送ります

§ What does 送ります (okurimasu) mean?

送ります (okurimasu) is a fundamental Japanese verb that means 'to send'. It's a versatile word you'll encounter and use frequently in daily conversations and written Japanese. Think of all the things you send: letters, emails, packages, messages, and even people (like seeing someone off). This single verb covers a wide range of 'sending' actions.

At its core, 送ります implies moving something or someone from one place to another with a clear intention. It's not just about physical objects; it can also be used for non-physical things like messages or even emotions (though less common in that sense).

§ When do people use 送ります (okurimasu)?

Japanese people use 送ります in many common situations. Here are some of the most frequent uses:

• Sending Mail or Packages: This is perhaps the most straightforward use. Whether it's a letter, a postcard, or a parcel, 送ります is the go-to verb.
• Sending Emails or Messages: In the digital age, sending electronic communications is just as common as physical mail. You'll use 送ります for these too.
• Seeing Someone Off: When you accompany someone to a station, airport, or their home to say goodbye, you are 'sending them off' or 'seeing them off'.
• Sending Someone an Item (e.g., a photo, a document): If you're sharing something digitally with a friend or colleague, this verb applies.
• Sending a Gift: When you dispatch a present to someone, you are using 送ります.

Let's break down some practical examples to help you understand the nuances:

Japanese Definition

送ります (okurimasu): To send, to dispatch, to see off.

§ Practical Examples of 送ります

Here are some common sentences where you'll hear and use 送ります:

Translation hint: I will send a letter.

Translation hint: I sent an email.

Translation hint: I will see my friend off at the station.

Translation hint: I want to send a package to my parents' house (hometown).

Understanding the different contexts will greatly improve your fluency. Practice using it in various scenarios to solidify your understanding. It's a high-frequency verb, so mastering it early on is a big win for your Japanese studies!

§ Basic Usage with を (o)

The most common way to use 送ります (okurimasu) is with the direct object particle を (o) to indicate what you are sending. This is straightforward and works for physical items, emails, or even people (though for people, it often means 'seeing them off').

Hint

I will send a letter.

Hint

I sent an email.

§ Sending to a Recipient with に (ni)

When you send something *to* someone or *to* a place, you use the particle に (ni) to mark the recipient or destination. This is very similar to how 'to' works in English.

Hint

I will send a present to my friend.

Hint

I sent luggage to Japan.

§ Sending via a Method or Medium with で (de)

If you want to specify *how* you are sending something, like by email, by post, or by a specific delivery service, you use the particle で (de). This particle indicates the means or method.

Hint

I will send the file by email.

Hint

I sent the documents by post.

§ Seeing Someone Off (People as Direct Objects)

When 送ります (okurimasu) is used with a person as the direct object (marked by を), it typically means 'to see someone off' or 'to escort someone'.

Hint

I will see my friend off to the station (or escort my friend to the station).

Hint

I escorted the guest to the hotel.