A letter is a piece of written, typically handwritten or typed, correspondence, usually sent by post.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Written communication sent via mail.
- Can be personal, business, or official.
- A traditional way to share information.
Overview
“信件”是一个常用的中文名词，指的是通过邮政系统或其他方式寄送的、写在纸上的信息。它是一种传统的沟通方式，虽然在数字时代，电子邮件和即时通讯越来越普遍，但信件仍然在某些场合扮演着重要角色。信件的内容可以是多样的，从朋友间的问候、家人的思念，到商业合同、官方通知等。
“信件”通常用作一个名词，指代一封或多封需要邮寄的书信。它可以单独使用，也可以与其他词语组合，构成更具体的表达。例如，“写信件”、“寄信件”、“收信件”、“一封信件”等。在口语和书面语中都很常见。
Examples
我收到了一封来自远方朋友的信件。
everydayI received a letter from a friend far away.
请将合同副本以挂号信件的形式寄回。
formalPlease send back a copy of the contract via registered letter.
等我写完信件，就去邮局寄。
informalAfter I finish writing the letter, I'll go mail it.
该研究分析了19世纪的私人信件。
academicThe study analyzed private letters from the 19th century.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
一封信件
a letter
写信件
to write a letter
寄信件
to mail a letter
Often Confused With
'邮件' is a broader term that includes letters, packages, postcards, etc., all sent via post. '信件' specifically refers to written correspondence.
'信' is a shortened form of '信件' and is often used in spoken Chinese for 'letter'. While interchangeable in many casual contexts, '信件' can sound slightly more formal or complete.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
While '信件' is a standard term, in modern everyday conversation, people often use the shorter '信' (xìn) when referring to a letter. For instance, '我收到一封信' (Wǒ shōudào yī fēng xìn) is more common than '我收到一封信件' (Wǒ shōudào yī fēng xìnjiàn). However, '信件' is perfectly acceptable and might be preferred in slightly more formal or written contexts.
Common Mistakes
Avoid using '信件' to refer to emails or instant messages; use '电子邮件' (diànzǐ yóujiàn) for email and specific app names or '消息' (xiāoxi) for messages. Also, be careful not to confuse '信件' (letter) with '包裹' (bāoguǒ - package) or '快递' (kuàidì - express delivery/courier service).
Tips
Think of 'Letter' for '信件'
信件 directly translates to 'letter' in English, referring to written correspondence sent through the mail.
Distinguish from 'Package'
'信件' refers to written messages, not physical goods like a 'package' (包裹).
Nostalgia and Personal Touch
Receiving a physical letter can evoke feelings of nostalgia and is often seen as more personal than digital communication.
Word Origin
The word '信件' is composed of '信' (xìn), meaning 'trust', 'faith', or 'letter', and '件' (jiàn), meaning 'item', 'piece', or 'component'. Together, they signify a 'piece of correspondence' or 'item of mail'.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, sending and receiving letters has a long history. Traditionally, letters were a primary means of long-distance communication and were often cherished for the personal connection they represented. While less common now, the act of writing and sending a letter can still be seen as a thoughtful gesture.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'letter' (信件) being delivered by a mail carrier. The character '件' (jiàn) can remind you of 'item' or 'piece', suggesting a single piece of correspondence.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“信件”特指写在纸上的、需要邮寄的文字信息。而“邮件”是一个更宽泛的概念，包括信件、包裹、明信片等所有通过邮政系统寄送的东西。
虽然电子邮件和即时通讯很流行，但“信件”在某些场合仍然常用，比如发送正式文件、法律通知、或者作为一种表达心意的方式。
在很多情况下可以，但“书信”有时更侧重于书写的文字本身，可能带有一点更正式或文学的意味。
你可以说“我收到一封信”或“我收到一封信件”。在口语中，“信”更常用。
Test Yourself
我今天收到了妈妈寄来的______。
这里指的是妈妈寄来的文字信息，所以“信件”最合适。
“信件”的英文是什么？
“Letter”是“信件”最直接和准确的翻译，指通过邮寄方式发送的书面通信。
写 / 我 / 一封 / 信件 / 给 / 朋友
这是最符合中文语法的句子结构，主语（我）+ 介词短语（给朋友）+ 谓语（写）+ 宾语（一封信件）。
Score: /3
Summary
A letter is a piece of written, typically handwritten or typed, correspondence, usually sent by post.
- Written communication sent via mail.
- Can be personal, business, or official.
- A traditional way to share information.
Think of 'Letter' for '信件'
信件 directly translates to 'letter' in English, referring to written correspondence sent through the mail.
Distinguish from 'Package'
'信件' refers to written messages, not physical goods like a 'package' (包裹).
Nostalgia and Personal Touch
Receiving a physical letter can evoke feelings of nostalgia and is often seen as more personal than digital communication.
Examples
4 of 4我收到了一封来自远方朋友的信件。
I received a letter from a friend far away.
请将合同副本以挂号信件的形式寄回。
Please send back a copy of the contract via registered letter.
等我写完信件，就去邮局寄。
After I finish writing the letter, I'll go mail it.
该研究分析了19世纪的私人信件。
The study analyzed private letters from the 19th century.
