In 15 Seconds
- Use for physical items like packages, letters, and gifts.
- Common in business, post offices, and online shopping contexts.
- Do not use for digital files or emails.
Meaning
This is the go-to word for sending physical items like packages, letters, or gifts through a delivery service or mail.
Key Examples
3 of 6At the post office
我想寄送这个包裹到美国。
I want to send this package to America.
Texting a friend about a gift
我给你寄送了一份生日礼物，记得查收！
I sent you a birthday gift, remember to check for it!
Business email confirmation
合同已经通过顺丰寄送了。
The contract has already been sent via SF Express.
Cultural Background
China's e-commerce boom has made shipping terminology part of daily life. The rise of companies like SF Express and Cainiao means that 'sending and receiving' is a core social interaction. During the Lunar New Year, '寄送' becomes a vital way to show love to family when you can't travel home.
The 'Digital' Rule
Always remember: If you can't touch it, don't use `寄送`. Use `发送` (fāsòng) for emails, texts, and WeChat messages.
Kuaidi is King
In China, people rarely say 'I'm going to the post office.' They usually say 'I'm calling a Kuaidi (express delivery).' You still use `寄送` to describe the action!
In 15 Seconds
- Use for physical items like packages, letters, and gifts.
- Common in business, post offices, and online shopping contexts.
- Do not use for digital files or emails.
What It Means
寄送 is the standard way to talk about shipping things. Think of it as the bridge between you and someone far away. If it fits in a box or an envelope, you 寄送 it. It implies a formal process of handing an item to a third party. You aren't just giving it; you are dispatching it.
How To Use It
Place the item you are sending right after the phrase. You can say 寄送包裹 (send a package) or 寄送礼物 (send a gift). It works perfectly with the preposition 给 (to). For example: "I want to 寄送 this to my mom." It is a verb that carries weight. It sounds more complete than just using the single word 寄.
When To Use It
Use this when you are at the post office. Use it when you are shopping online and checking shipping methods. It is great for business emails when confirming a document was sent. If you are sending a postcard from your travels, this is your word. It feels reliable and clear. It’s the "adulting" version of sending things.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use 寄送 for digital things like emails or text messages. For those, you should use 发送. Also, don't use it if you are handing something over in person. If you give a friend a coffee, that’s just 给. Using 寄送 there would imply you put the coffee in a box and mailed it. That would be a very cold, soggy latte.
Cultural Background
China has one of the fastest delivery cultures in the world. You will see delivery drivers (kuaidi) everywhere on scooters. Because of this, 寄送 is a word you will hear daily. People obsessed with "Kuaidi" culture often track their 寄送 status every hour. It’s a national pastime to wait for a package. Sending gifts during festivals is a huge part of maintaining relationships (Guanxi).
Common Variations
In casual speech, people often shorten it to just 寄. You might hear 寄快递 which specifically means sending an express delivery. If you are the one receiving, you talk about 收货. If you are talking about the shipping fee, it’s 邮寄费. But 寄送 remains the most versatile and polite standard form.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral and safe for almost any situation involving physical mail. It is more descriptive than the simple 'jì' and fits well in both professional emails and casual shopping conversations.
The 'Digital' Rule
Always remember: If you can't touch it, don't use `寄送`. Use `发送` (fāsòng) for emails, texts, and WeChat messages.
Kuaidi is King
In China, people rarely say 'I'm going to the post office.' They usually say 'I'm calling a Kuaidi (express delivery).' You still use `寄送` to describe the action!
Don't forget the 'Gei'
When sending to a person, the structure is usually `寄送` + [Object] + `给` + [Person]. It sounds more natural than putting the person first.
Examples
6我想寄送这个包裹到美国。
I want to send this package to America.
Standard use for international shipping.
我给你寄送了一份生日礼物，记得查收！
I sent you a birthday gift, remember to check for it!
Warm and friendly way to announce a surprise.
合同已经通过顺丰寄送了。
The contract has already been sent via SF Express.
Formal confirmation of document dispatch.
请问你们什么时候可以寄送我的订单？
Excuse me, when can you ship my order?
Common question for customer service.
我不小心把遥控器寄送给客户了！
I accidentally sent the remote control to the client!
Using the formal word for a silly mistake adds to the irony.
虽然我们离得很远，但我会经常给你寄送心意。
Although we are far apart, I will often send you my regards (and gifts).
Using 'heart/intent' as the object makes it very sweet.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence about mailing a letter.
请帮我把这封信___到北京。
Letters are physical objects, so '寄送' is the correct choice. '发送' is for digital signals.
Which item can you NOT '寄送'?
你不可以___一个___。
You cannot '寄送' an email (电子邮件) because it is digital; you must '发送' it.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Sending'
Short, very casual, used with friends.
帮我寄一下。
Standard, polite, used in shops and mail.
为您寄送包裹。
Formal, specifically refers to the postal system.
请通过邮寄方式申请。
When to use 寄送
Post Office
Sending a box
Online Shopping
Merchant shipping goods
Holidays
Mailing a card
Office
Courier-ing a document
Practice Bank
2 exercises请帮我把这封信___到北京。
Letters are physical objects, so '寄送' is the correct choice. '发送' is for digital signals.
你不可以___一个___。
You cannot '寄送' an email (电子邮件) because it is digital; you must '发送' it.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions寄 is the short, casual version. 寄送 is slightly more formal and complete. You can use 寄 with friends, but use 寄送 in business or service settings.
No, that is a common mistake. For emails, use 发送 (fāsòng). 寄送 is only for physical items.
You can say 邮费 (yóufèi) or 运费 (yùnfèi). 寄送费 is understandable but less common than the other two.
Yes, it is widely understood and used across all Mandarin-speaking regions, though local preferences for 'mailing' might vary slightly.
Absolutely not. To send or escort a person, use 送 (sòng) or 派遣 (pàiqiǎn) for official business. 寄送 would imply you put the person in a box.
If you are mailing cash (rare now!), you can use 寄送. If you are transferring electronically, use 转账 (zhuǎnzhàng).
Yes, it's very common to text someone: 东西已经寄送了 (The stuff has been sent).
No, it only describes the act of sending. To say it arrived, you would say 寄到了 (jì dào le).
邮寄 specifically implies using the government postal service (Post Office). 寄送 is broader and includes private couriers.
Yes! 寄送鲜花 is a very common phrase for flower delivery services.
Related Phrases
发送
To send (digital/electronic)
快递
Express delivery / Courier
包裹
Package / Parcel
查收
To check and receive (formal)
