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postcard

A1 noun #1,680 最常用 16分钟阅读

postcard

前1,680

At the A1 beginner level, the word 'postcard' is introduced as a fundamental, concrete noun related to the highly common themes of travel, holidays, and basic communication. Learners encounter this word when studying vocabulary for items you can buy in a shop, things you send in the mail, and objects associated with vacations. It is taught alongside words like 'letter', 'stamp', 'holiday', 'shop', and 'friend'. The primary focus at this level is simply recognizing the physical object and understanding its basic function: a card with a picture that you send to someone. Grammar integration is very straightforward. Learners practice using 'postcard' with basic verbs like 'buy', 'send', 'write', and 'read' in the present simple or past simple tense. For example, 'I buy a postcard' or 'I sent a postcard.' They also learn to use it with the indefinite article 'a' (a postcard) and pluralize it correctly by adding an 's' (postcards). Teachers often use postcards as visual aids in the classroom to prompt simple descriptive sentences, such as 'The postcard has a picture of a beach.' The communicative goal is for the learner to be able to state that they want to purchase a postcard or that they received one, which are essential survival phrases for a tourist in an English-speaking country. The concept is universally understood, making it an easy and engaging vocabulary word for beginners to master quickly without complex cultural explanations.

Moving to the A2 elementary level, the use of the word 'postcard' expands as learners begin to construct more detailed sentences and engage in longer communicative tasks. At this stage, learners are expected to not only know what a postcard is but also to be able to write a simple one themselves. This is a classic A2 writing exercise. Learners practice the specific conventions of postcard writing, such as starting with a greeting ('Dear John'), writing a few short sentences about their holiday using the present continuous ('I am sitting on the beach') and past simple ('Yesterday we visited a museum'), and signing off ('See you soon'). The vocabulary surrounding 'postcard' also broadens. Learners start using prepositions correctly, understanding that you write 'on' a postcard and send it 'to' someone. They learn related terms like 'post office', 'mailbox', and 'address'. In speaking exercises, A2 learners might be asked to describe a postcard they bought or received, requiring them to use basic adjectives to describe the picture ('It is a beautiful postcard of the mountains'). The word becomes a practical tool for practicing narrative tenses and descriptive language within the familiar, structured context of sharing travel experiences. It bridges the gap between single-word vocabulary and functional, real-world communication skills.

At the B1 intermediate level, the concept of a 'postcard' is used to explore more nuanced aspects of communication, culture, and personal experiences. Learners are now comfortable with the basic mechanics of writing and sending a postcard, so the focus shifts to the content, tone, and the cultural significance of the practice. B1 learners might discuss the differences between sending a physical postcard and sending a digital message or a photo on social media, practicing comparative and superlative structures. They might read articles or listen to dialogues about the history of postcards or the hobby of collecting them, which introduces broader vocabulary related to history and hobbies. In writing tasks, the expectations are higher; a B1 postcard must include more complex grammar, such as the present perfect to describe experiences ('I have seen the Eiffel Tower') or conditional sentences ('If the weather is nice tomorrow, we will go sailing'). Furthermore, learners begin to encounter the word in slightly more abstract contexts. They might discuss the idea of a 'postcard view', meaning a view that is exceptionally beautiful and typical of a tourist destination. The word serves as a springboard for discussions about travel habits, the value of physical keepsakes in a digital world, and the ways we choose to share our lives with others.

For B2 upper-intermediate learners, the word 'postcard' is fully integrated into their vocabulary and is used with ease in both literal and figurative contexts. At this level, learners are expected to understand and use idiomatic expressions related to the word, most notably the phrase 'picture-postcard perfect' or 'like a postcard' to describe idyllic, flawless scenery. This requires an understanding of how nouns can function adjectivally to convey complex imagery. B2 learners might engage in debates or write essays on the environmental impact of tourism, using postcards as a symbol of mass tourism and the commercialization of culture. They might analyze literature or listen to podcasts where a postcard serves as a crucial plot device, representing a missed connection, a hidden secret, or a longing for home. The writing tasks involving postcards at this level are often creative or role-play based, requiring the learner to adopt a specific persona or write a postcard that conveys a subtle emotional subtext rather than just listing holiday activities. The focus is on register, tone, and the ability to convey meaning concisely, mimicking the restricted space of a real postcard. The word becomes a versatile tool for advanced descriptive writing and cultural critique.

At the C1 advanced level, the word 'postcard' takes on significant metaphorical and symbolic weight. While learners still use it in its literal sense, they are more likely to encounter it in sophisticated texts where it represents superficiality, brief glimpses into other lives, or idealized versions of reality. A C1 learner might read a critical essay discussing how social media platforms have become the modern equivalent of the 'postcard', presenting a curated, flawless image of life that ignores underlying complexities. The phrase 'a postcard version of events' might be used to describe a narrative that is overly simplified and glosses over the negative aspects. In literary analysis, learners might explore how authors use postcards to symbolize fragmentation, distance, or the unreliability of memory. Vocabulary associated with the word at this level includes terms like 'curated', 'idyllic', 'superficial', 'nostalgia', and 'ephemeral'. C1 learners are expected to produce highly sophisticated written and spoken language, using the concept of a postcard to draw analogies, make cultural observations, and express complex abstract thoughts about human connection and the representation of reality in the modern world.

Finally, at the C2 proficiency level, mastery of the word 'postcard' involves a deep, intuitive understanding of its cultural resonance, historical evolution, and subtle linguistic applications. C2 learners can effortlessly navigate the semiotics of the postcard—analyzing the relationship between the visual image on the front and the textual message on the back. They might engage with academic texts on deltiology, discussing the postcard as a historical artifact that reflects the socio-political climate of its time. The word is used fluidly in complex metaphorical constructs. For instance, a C2 speaker might describe a brief, vivid memory as 'a mental postcard' or critique a politician's speech as offering 'nothing but postcard solutions to complex systemic problems.' At this level of fluency, the learner understands that a postcard is not just a piece of mail, but a cultural touchstone that embodies human mobility, the desire for connection, and the human tendency to frame and share our experiences. The ability to use such a simple, everyday word in profound, abstract, and highly nuanced ways is a hallmark of true C2 proficiency, demonstrating a complete command of the English language's depth and flexibility.

开始练习例句笔记与提示

postcard 30秒了解

A small, flat card used for sending short messages through the mail.
It does not require an envelope and usually has a picture on the front.
Commonly bought by tourists as souvenirs to send to friends and family.
Requires a postage stamp and a clearly written delivery address to work.

A postcard is a small, rectangular piece of thick paper or thin cardboard designed for writing and mailing without an envelope. The concept of the postcard revolutionized global communication by providing a cheap, fast, and highly visual way to send short messages across vast distances. Historically, the first postcards were plain and did not feature images, but they quickly evolved into the picture postcards we recognize today. These modern postcards typically feature a beautiful, high-quality photograph, illustration, or artwork on the front side. This image often depicts famous landmarks, stunning landscapes, cultural icons, or humorous scenes related to the location where the postcard was purchased. The reverse side of the postcard is functionally divided into two distinct sections. The right side is reserved for the recipient's mailing address and the postage stamp, which is usually affixed to the top right corner. The left side provides a blank space for the sender to write a brief, personal message.

Physical Characteristics: Standard postcards measure approximately 4 by 6 inches, making them easy to handle, sort, and deliver through automated postal systems worldwide.

I received a beautiful postcard from my grandmother who is currently vacationing in the sunny south of France.

The appeal of the postcard lies in its simplicity and its dual function as both a communication medium and a tangible souvenir. Unlike a traditional letter, which is enclosed in an envelope and offers complete privacy, a postcard is open for anyone to read during its journey through the postal system. This lack of privacy means that messages written on postcards are usually lighthearted, general, and brief. People often write about the weather, the food they are eating, or the sights they have seen.

Deltiology: The formal study and collection of postcards is known as deltiology, which is one of the most popular collecting hobbies in the world, second only to coin and stamp collecting.

He pinned the vintage postcard to his bulletin board so he could admire the historic street scene every day.

Postcards serve as miniature windows into different parts of the world. For over a century, they have been the primary way travelers share their experiences with loved ones back home. The golden age of postcards occurred in the early 20th century, before the widespread use of telephones and the internet, when billions of postcards were mailed annually. Today, despite the dominance of digital communication, postcards retain a special charm. Receiving a physical card in the mail demonstrates that someone took the time to select an image, write a message by hand, purchase a stamp, and find a mailbox. This effort makes postcards cherished keepsakes.

Postcrossing: Postcrossing is a modern international project that allows people to send and receive postcards from random strangers around the world, reviving the joy of physical mail.

The gift shop at the museum sells a wide variety of merchandise, including books, posters, and a beautiful postcard featuring their most famous painting.

She decided to send a postcard to her teacher to practice writing in English while she was studying abroad in London.

Every time he travels to a new city, his first mission is to find the perfect postcard to add to his growing collection.

In addition to travel souvenirs, postcards are also used for practical purposes. Businesses use them for direct mail marketing campaigns because they are cost-effective and the recipient sees the message immediately without having to open an envelope. Artists use them as mini-portfolios to showcase their work. People use them for 'save the date' notices for weddings or as simple greeting cards for minor holidays. The versatility of the postcard ensures its continued relevance. Whether it features a breathtaking view of the Grand Canyon, a funny cartoon, or a simple text graphic, a postcard remains a powerful tool for connection. It bridges geographical distances with a personal touch that a text message or email simply cannot replicate. The physical nature of the card, bearing the handwriting of the sender and the postmark of the origin city, makes it a unique and enduring form of human communication.

Using a postcard involves a delightful process that combines travel, writing, and the traditional postal system. The first step is selecting the perfect postcard. When you visit a tourist destination, you will find postcards sold in souvenir shops, museums, hotels, and local convenience stores. Take your time to browse the racks and choose an image that captures the essence of your trip or appeals to the specific tastes of the person you are sending it to. Once you have purchased the postcard, the next step is to write your message. Because the space is limited, postcard writing requires brevity and focus. You do not have room for long, detailed narratives. Instead, focus on the highlights.

The Message Area: The left half of the back of the postcard is dedicated to your message. Keep your handwriting small but legible to maximize the available space.

I sat at a small cafe in Rome, sipping an espresso while writing a postcard to my best friend back in New York.

After writing your message, you must address the postcard correctly. The right half of the back is reserved for the recipient's address. It is crucial to write the address clearly, using block letters if your handwriting is difficult to read. Include the recipient's full name, street address, city, state or province, postal code, and, most importantly, the destination country. If you are sending the postcard internationally, write the name of the destination country in capital letters on the last line of the address block. This ensures that the postal workers in the origin country know exactly where to route the card.

Postage and Stamps: You must affix a postage stamp to the top right corner of the address side. The cost of the stamp varies depending on whether the destination is domestic or international.

Before dropping it in the mailbox, she double-checked that she had put the correct international stamp on the postcard.

Once the postcard is written, addressed, and stamped, it is ready to be mailed. Look for a public mailbox, which are usually brightly colored and located on busy street corners, or take it directly to a post office. When you drop the postcard into the slot, its journey begins. It will be collected by a postal worker, taken to a sorting facility, postmarked with the date and location of origin, and then transported by truck, train, or airplane to its final destination.

The Postmark: The postmark is an ink stamp applied by the post office over the postage stamp to cancel it, proving that the postage has been used and indicating where and when the card was mailed.

He loves examining the ink postmark on every postcard he receives to see exactly which city it was mailed from.

Please remember to send me a postcard as soon as you arrive at your hotel in Tokyo.

Writing a postcard is a wonderful way to practice your English vocabulary while sharing your travel adventures.

The grammar used on postcards is often informal and conversational. Because space is tight, writers frequently omit subject pronouns and auxiliary verbs. For example, instead of writing 'I am having a great time here,' a person might simply write 'Having a great time here.' This telegraphic style is perfectly acceptable and is considered a standard feature of postcard writing. Furthermore, postcards are not just for vacations. You can use them to send a quick thank-you note, to say hello to a friend you haven't seen in a while, or to participate in global exchange programs. The key to using a postcard effectively is to remember its purpose: to share a small, beautiful piece of your world with someone else, bringing a moment of joy to their mailbox.

The word postcard is incredibly common in everyday English, especially in contexts related to travel, tourism, communication, and memories. You will hear this word most frequently when people are planning trips, currently on vacation, or returning from their travels. In tourist destinations around the world, the word is ubiquitous. You will see signs advertising 'Postcards and Stamps' outside souvenir shops, newsstands, and kiosks. When interacting with shopkeepers, you might ask, 'Do you sell postcards?' or 'How much is this postcard?' These simple transactions make the word one of the first essential vocabulary items learned by travelers.

Travel Conversations: When friends or family members are departing for a holiday, it is a cultural norm to request that they send a postcard as a token of their journey.

As she boarded the train, her mother waved and shouted, 'Don't forget to send me a postcard from Paris!'

Beyond literal usage, the word postcard frequently appears in idiomatic expressions and descriptive language. The most common of these is the phrase 'picture-postcard perfect' or simply 'like a postcard.' This phrase is used to describe a landscape, a village, or a scene that is so incredibly beautiful, pristine, and idyllic that it looks as though it belongs on the front of a printed postcard. You will hear travel vloggers, tour guides, and writers use this phrase to convey the stunning visual appeal of a location. For example, a tour guide might say, 'The village of Hallstatt is absolutely picture-postcard perfect.'

Metaphorical Use: In literature and journalism, a 'postcard' can metaphorically refer to a brief, vivid description or a short dispatch from a specific place or situation.

The author's latest book is a collection of literary essays that act as a postcard from the remote islands of the Pacific.

You will also hear the word in post offices. When you approach the counter, the postal clerk might ask, 'Are you mailing a letter or a postcard?' This distinction is important because postcards often cost less to mail than standard letters due to their smaller size and lighter weight. Furthermore, in the realm of hobbies and history, you will hear archivists, historians, and collectors discuss vintage postcards. These historical artifacts provide valuable insights into past architectural styles, fashion, and social norms.

Digital Contexts: Even in the digital age, the concept persists. Many apps and websites offer 'e-postcards' or allow you to turn your digital photos into physical postcards that are printed and mailed for you.

She used a mobile app to design a custom postcard using a selfie she took at the beach.

The view from the top of the mountain was so breathtaking that it looked exactly like a postcard.

He found an old, faded postcard from 1950 hidden inside the pages of a secondhand book.

The word is deeply embedded in our cultural vocabulary. It evokes feelings of nostalgia, wanderlust, and affection. Whether you are buying one at a bustling market in Marrakech, receiving one in your mailbox in London, or using the word to describe a stunning sunset, 'postcard' is a versatile and universally understood term. It bridges the gap between the physical object and the emotional experience of sharing the world's beauty with others.

While 'postcard' is a relatively simple noun, English learners often make several common mistakes regarding its grammar, usage, and the physical act of sending one. One of the most frequent grammatical errors involves the choice of prepositions. Learners often say they wrote a message 'in a postcard.' This is incorrect because a postcard does not have an inside; it is a flat piece of card. The correct preposition is 'on.' You write a message 'on a postcard,' and there is a picture 'on the front of the postcard.' Another common preposition mistake relates to the destination. You send a postcard 'to' someone, not 'for' someone, when referring to the act of mailing it.

Preposition Usage: Always remember: write ON a postcard, send a postcard TO a friend, and get a postcard FROM a place.

Incorrect: I wrote a note in the postcard. Correct: I wrote a note on the postcard.

Another frequent mistake is confusing a 'postcard' with a 'letter' or an 'envelope.' A letter is typically a multi-page document folded and sealed inside an envelope. A postcard is a single, unsealed card. Learners sometimes say, 'I put the postcard in an envelope to mail it.' While you physically can do this, it defeats the traditional purpose of a postcard and turns it into a standard letter, which may require different postage. Furthermore, there is a technical distinction in postal terminology between a 'postcard' (which has a picture and requires you to buy a stamp) and a 'postal card' (which is issued by the post office and has the postage pre-printed on it).

Article Omission: Because 'postcard' is a singular countable noun, it must be preceded by an article (a, the) or a possessive pronoun (my, his) in a singular context.

Incorrect: I sent postcard today. Correct: I sent a postcard today.

In terms of practical mistakes when writing postcards, many people forget to leave enough room for the address and the stamp. They write their message across the entire back of the card, leaving no space for the postal workers to do their job. Always respect the vertical dividing line on the back of the card. Additionally, forgetting to write the destination country is a critical error that will result in the postcard being lost or returned.

Spelling Errors: The word is a single compound word: 'postcard'. Do not write it as two separate words ('post card') or with a hyphen ('post-card').

Make sure you spell postcard as one continuous word when writing your English essay.

He bought a stack of postcards to send to all his relatives during his trip to Spain.

The stamp must be placed on the top right corner of the postcard for the machine to process it.

Finally, learners sometimes struggle with the register or tone of a postcard. Because it is an open piece of mail, it is inappropriate to write highly confidential, sensitive, or formal business information on a postcard. The tone should remain casual, friendly, and brief. By mastering these grammatical rules and practical conventions, learners can confidently participate in the charming tradition of sending and receiving postcards without making basic errors.

To fully understand the word 'postcard', it is helpful to compare it with similar vocabulary words related to mail, communication, and travel souvenirs. The most common point of comparison is the word 'letter'. While both are sent through the mail, a letter is typically written on folded sheets of paper, enclosed in an envelope, and allows for long, private, and detailed communication. A postcard, by contrast, is a single piece of stiff paper, sent without an envelope, featuring a picture, and intended for short, public messages. Understanding this difference is crucial for choosing the right word in English.

Greeting Card: A greeting card is folded in half, usually comes with an envelope, and is given for specific occasions like birthdays or anniversaries, whereas a postcard is flat and mostly used for travel.

Instead of a long letter, he decided to send a quick postcard to let his family know he arrived safely.

Another related word is 'souvenir'. A souvenir is any item kept as a reminder of a place you have visited. A postcard is a specific type of souvenir. It is often the cheapest and most convenient souvenir a traveler can buy. While a snow globe, a magnet, or a t-shirt are also souvenirs, they cannot be easily mailed with a simple stamp to share the experience with someone else. Therefore, every travel postcard is a souvenir, but not every souvenir is a postcard.

Note Card: A note card is a small piece of heavy paper used for writing short messages, often blank on the front, and usually sent in an envelope, unlike a picture postcard.

She bought a postcard as a cheap souvenir to remember her visit to the national park.

The word 'photograph' is also closely related. The front of a modern postcard is essentially a printed photograph. However, a photograph is just the image itself, printed on photo paper, usually kept in an album or framed. A postcard has the specific functional design on the back (the divided back for address and message) that makes it ready for the postal system. You can turn a personal photograph into a postcard by writing an address and placing a stamp on the back, but a standard photograph lacks the printed guidelines.

Postal Card: A postal card is a blank card issued by the post office with the postage stamp already printed on it, whereas a postcard is produced by private companies and requires you to buy a stamp separately.

The museum gift shop sells both framed photographs and standard postcards of the famous artwork.

He prefers sending a postcard over a digital text message because it feels more personal and permanent.

A postcard is the perfect way to say hello without the pressure of writing a long, detailed letter.

By distinguishing 'postcard' from these similar terms, learners can communicate more precisely. They will know exactly what to ask for in a store, how to describe the mail they receive, and how to choose the appropriate medium for their message. The postcard occupies a unique niche: it is public yet personal, visual yet textual, and serves as both a communication device and a collectible piece of art.

How Formal Is It?

正式

中性

非正式

难度评级

需要掌握的语法

按水平分级的例句

I bought a postcard in the shop.

Focus on the action of purchasing.

Past simple tense with the indefinite article 'a'.

This postcard has a picture of a cat.

Describing the image on the card.

Present simple using 'has' for possession.

I want to send a postcard to my mom.

Expressing desire to mail the card.

Infinitive verb 'to send' after 'want'.

The postcard is very beautiful.

Simple description using an adjective.

Subject + 'to be' + adjective.

Where can I buy a postcard?

Asking for directions to a shop.

Question formation with the modal verb 'can'.

I have three postcards.

Stating quantity.

Plural noun form ending in 's'.

Read this postcard, please.

Giving a simple instruction.

Imperative sentence structure.

The postcard is on the table.

Stating location.

Preposition of place 'on'.

Yesterday, I wrote a postcard to my best friend.

Past action of writing.

Irregular past tense verb 'wrote'.

You need a stamp to send a postcard.

Explaining a requirement.

Infinitive of purpose 'to send'.

She always sends me a postcard when she travels.

Describing a regular habit.

Adverb of frequency 'always' with present simple.

We bought some postcards at the museum gift shop.

Specifying the location of purchase.

Use of 'some' with a plural countable noun.

Did you receive the postcard I sent you?

Asking about past receipt.

Past simple question with auxiliary 'did'.

The postcard shows a famous bridge in London.

Describing the specific content of the image.

Present simple for stating a fact about the object.

I am going to the post office to mail this postcard.

Expressing future intent.

Present continuous used for future plans.

There is not enough space on the postcard to write a long story.

Explaining a limitation.

Use of 'not enough' with an uncountable noun 'space'.

Sending a postcard is a great way to keep in touch with family while abroad.

Expressing an opinion about the activity.

Gerund 'sending' used as the subject of the sentence.

I have kept every single postcard I've ever received in a special box.

Describing a collection built over time.

Present perfect tense to connect past actions to the present.

If I find a post office, I will mail your postcard today.

Stating a condition for an action.

First conditional sentence structure.

The vintage postcard was written in 1920 and had a fascinating message.

Describing an old, historical item.

Passive voice 'was written'.

She prefers sending postcards because letters take too long to write.

Making a comparison between two methods.

Verb 'prefer' followed by a gerund.

You shouldn't write any secret information on a postcard because anyone can read it.

Giving advice about privacy.

Modal verb 'shouldn't' for advice.

He was looking at the postcards when he suddenly realized he had lost his wallet.

Describing an interrupted past action.

Past continuous interrupted by past simple.

The postcard, which featured a beautiful sunset, arrived three weeks late.

Adding extra information about the subject.

Non-defining relative clause using 'which'.

The quaint little fishing village was absolutely picture-postcard perfect.

Using the word as an idiomatic adjective.

Compound adjective 'picture-postcard perfect'.

Despite the rise of social media, the tradition of sending physical postcards has managed to survive.

Contrasting modern technology with tradition.

Preposition 'despite' followed by a noun phrase.

He collected postcards not just for the images, but for the fascinating glimpses into strangers' lives written on the back.

Explaining a complex motivation.

Correlative conjunctions 'not just... but (also)'.

Having written the postcard hastily, she forgot to include the recipient's postal code.

Describing an action that led to a mistake.

Perfect participle clause 'Having written'.

The marketing campaign was highly successful, utilizing direct-mail postcards to reach local consumers.

Using the word in a business context.

Participle clause 'utilizing' to show method.

I'd rather you sent me a postcard than bought me an expensive, useless souvenir.

Expressing a strong preference.

Structure 'would rather + subject + past tense' for present preference.

By the time we return home, the postcards we sent from the island will likely have already arrived.

Predicting a future completed action.

Future perfect tense 'will have arrived'.

The exhibition featured a series of postcards that documented the changing architectural landscape of the city over a century.

Describing the historical value of the items.

Relative clause defining the function of the postcards.

The author's latest novel reads like a series of disjointed postcards from a fractured mind, offering brief, vivid flashes of memory without a cohesive narrative.

Using the word metaphorically to describe a writing style.

Simile using 'like a series of disjointed postcards'.

Social media platforms often encourage users to present a sanitized, postcard version of their lives, deliberately omitting any struggles or mundane realities.

Critiquing modern culture using the word as a metaphor for superficiality.

Noun adjunct 'postcard' modifying 'version'.

The historian painstakingly analyzed the postmarks and cryptic messages on the wartime postcards to reconstruct the covert movements of the resistance fighters.

Describing academic research using the physical object.

Adverb 'painstakingly' modifying the verb 'analyzed'.

It is a common fallacy to assume that the idyllic scenes depicted on tourist postcards accurately reflect the lived experience of the local inhabitants.

Discussing the disparity between representation and reality.

Infinitive phrase acting as the real subject after 'It is a common fallacy'.

He dismissed the politician's proposed policies as mere postcard solutions—superficially attractive but entirely lacking in the depth required to address the systemic issues.

Using the word to criticize something as lacking substance.

Metaphorical compound noun 'postcard solutions'.

The sheer brevity demanded by the physical constraints of a postcard forces the writer to distill their experiences into a few potent, carefully chosen words.

Analyzing the linguistic impact of the medium.

Complex subject noun phrase 'The sheer brevity demanded by the physical constraints'.

Her apartment was a testament to her nomadic lifestyle, the walls plastered with a mosaic of postcards sent from every corner of the globe.

Describing a setting that reveals character.

Absolute phrase 'the walls plastered with a mosaic of postcards'.

The discovery of the unsent postcard, hidden in the lining of the old suitcase, unraveled a decades-old family mystery regarding his grandfather's disappearance.

Using the object as a pivotal plot device in a narrative.

Noun phrase 'The discovery of the unsent postcard' acting as the subject.

The semiotics of the postcard are inherently dualistic; the public, mass-produced image on the obverse stands in stark contrast to the intimate, handwritten idiosyncrasies on the reverse.

Academic analysis of the object's dual nature.

Use of advanced academic vocabulary ('semiotics', 'dualistic', 'obverse', 'idiosyncrasies').

In an era saturated with instantaneous digital ephemera, the tangible permanence of a mailed postcard endows it with an almost anachronistic gravitas.

Contrasting modern digital communication with the physical object.

Complex prepositional phrase 'In an era saturated with...' setting the context.

The film's cinematography eschewed gritty realism in favor of a hyper-stylized, postcard aesthetic, deliberately alienating the audience from the underlying emotional trauma of the protagonist.

Critiquing visual style in media.

Noun adjunct 'postcard' modifying 'aesthetic' within a complex critique.

He possessed a remarkable ability to deliver devastating critiques wrapped in the disarming, breezy tone of a holiday postcard.

Metaphor for a specific tone of voice or writing style.

Metaphorical phrase 'wrapped in the disarming, breezy tone of a holiday postcard'.

The archive's collection of early 20th-century postcards serves as an invaluable sociological barometer, capturing the subtle shifts in societal norms and visual culture prior to the advent of mass media.

Discussing the historical and sociological value of the items.

Appositive phrase 'capturing the subtle shifts...' adding descriptive detail.

Her poetry is characterized by its postcard-like compression; she eschews sprawling epics for crystalline, momentary observations that resonate with profound implications.

Analyzing literary form using the word as a comparative concept.

Compound adjective 'postcard-like' modifying 'compression'.

The pervasive commodification of exotic locales is perhaps best epitomized by the ubiquitous postcard, which reduces complex ecosystems and ancient cultures to easily consumable, two-dimensional tropes.

A critical socio-economic observation.

Passive voice 'is perhaps best epitomized by' followed by a complex relative clause.

To dismiss the postcard as mere triviality is to fundamentally misunderstand its role as a vital, democratic conduit for vernacular expression throughout the modern age.

A strong concluding argument about the importance of the object.

Infinitive phrases used as subject and subject complement ('To dismiss... is to fundamentally misunderstand').

近义词

picture card postal card card mailer souvenir card

反义词

letter parcel email

常见搭配

send a postcard

write a postcard

buy a postcard

receive a postcard

picture postcard

vintage postcard

holiday postcard

postcard perfect

blank postcard

mail a postcard

常用短语

send me a postcard

drop me a postcard

picture-postcard perfect

a postcard from

wish you were here

容易混淆的词

postcard vs letter

postcard vs greeting card

postcard vs postal card

习语与表达

容易混淆

postcard vs

句型

如何使用

note

While 'postcard' is universally understood, the exact dimensions and postal regulations for what qualifies for the cheaper 'postcard rate' vary by country.

常见错误

Saying 'I wrote a letter in a postcard' instead of 'I wrote a message on a postcard'.
Forgetting to use an article, e.g., saying 'I bought postcard' instead of 'I bought a postcard'.
Confusing 'postcard' with 'envelope' or 'package'.
Writing the word as two separate words: 'post card'.
Using the wrong preposition for the recipient, e.g., 'I sent a postcard for him' instead of 'to him'.

小贴士

Use 'On', Not 'In'

Always remember to use the preposition 'on' when talking about writing on a postcard. You write 'on' a postcard because it is a flat surface. Do not say you wrote a message 'in' a postcard, as it has no inside.

Pronunciation Emphasis

When speaking, place the stress on the first syllable: POST-card. Ensure you pronounce both parts of the compound word clearly, though native speakers might slightly soften the 't' in fast conversation.

Keep It Brief

Postcards have very limited space. Practice writing concisely. Omit unnecessary words and focus on the main highlights of your trip. Telegraphic sentences (dropping pronouns like 'I') are perfectly acceptable in this format.

The 'Wish You Were Here' Cliché

The phrase 'Wish you were here' is the most famous and cliché sentence written on postcards. While it is a bit of a joke now, it is still a perfectly polite and common way to end your message to a friend.

Address Placement

Never write your message on the right side of the card. The right side is strictly reserved for the recipient's address and the stamp. If you write your message there, the post office might not be able to deliver it.

International Mailing

If you are sending a postcard to another country, always write the destination country's name in capital letters on the very last line of the address. This helps the local post office route it out of the country quickly.

Picture-Postcard Perfect

Use the phrase 'picture-postcard perfect' to impress your English teacher. It is a fantastic, advanced way to describe a beautiful landscape or a cute town you visited during your holidays.

One Word, No Hyphen

The word is spelled as one single, continuous word: postcard. Do not write it as two separate words ('post card') and do not use a hyphen ('post-card').

Use the Right Pen

Many modern postcards have a glossy, shiny finish on the back. If you use a gel pen or a fountain pen, the ink will smear and ruin your message. Always use a standard ballpoint pen or a fine permanent marker.

Pluralization is Simple

Because 'postcard' is a regular countable noun, making it plural is very easy. Just add an 's' to the end to make 'postcards'. You do not need to change any other letters.

记住它

记忆技巧

Think of POSTing a CARD in the mail. It is exactly what the two words say: a card for the post.

词源

Late 19th century.

文化背景

Today, they are often bought as cheap art prints to decorate walls or refrigerators, rather than actually being mailed.

The 'Golden Age of Postcards' was between 1907 and 1915, when billions were mailed worldwide.

在生活中练习

真实语境

对话开场白

"What is the most beautiful postcard you have ever received?"

"Do you prefer sending postcards or text messages when you travel?"

"Have you ever bought a postcard just to keep for yourself?"

"What do people usually write on the back of a holiday postcard?"

"Why do you think people still send postcards in the digital age?"

日记主题

Write a fictional postcard from your dream holiday destination.

Describe a time you received a postcard that made you very happy.

If your hometown was on a postcard, what picture would be on the front?

Compare the feeling of receiving a physical postcard versus an email.

Write about a vintage postcard you found and imagine the story behind it.

常见问题

10 个问题

No, you do not need an envelope. A postcard is specifically designed to be sent through the mail without one. The thick paper protects it during transit. The address and stamp go directly on the back of the card. Putting it in an envelope turns it into a standard letter.

You write the message on the back of the postcard, specifically on the left side. Most postcards have a vertical line printed down the middle of the back to separate the sections. The left side is for your text, and the right side is strictly for the recipient's address and the stamp.

The postage stamp must be placed in the top right corner of the back of the postcard. This is a universal standard for postal systems worldwide. Placing it anywhere else may cause the automated sorting machines to reject or delay your mail. There is often a small printed box indicating exactly where the stamp should go.

A letter is usually written on thin paper, folded, and sealed inside an envelope, offering privacy and unlimited space. A postcard is a single piece of thick card with a picture on one side, sent without an envelope. Postcards are public, brief, and usually cheaper to mail than letters.

Yes, you can make your own postcard. As long as the paper is thick enough to survive the postal system (like cardstock) and meets the size requirements of your local post office, you can mail it. You just need to draw a line down the back, write the address on the right, add the correct stamp, and drop it in a mailbox.

This is a common English idiom used to describe a place or a view that is incredibly beautiful, clean, and idyllic. It means the scene looks so perfect that it could be photographed and sold as a tourist postcard. It is often used to describe quaint villages, pristine beaches, or stunning mountain landscapes.

Despite digital communication being faster and free, people send postcards because they are tangible, physical objects. They show that the sender took time and effort to select, write, and mail something specifically for the recipient. They serve as beautiful souvenirs and physical reminders of a loved one's travels.

Because space is limited, keep it brief. Common topics include a quick update on the weather, a mention of a famous sight you visited, or a note about the local food. It is traditional to end the message with a warm sign-off like 'Wish you were here!' or 'Thinking of you.'

In many countries, yes. Postal services often have a specific, lower 'postcard rate' because postcards are small, lightweight, and easy for machines to process. However, if you send a postcard internationally, it will usually require a more expensive international stamp, regardless of its size.

Deltiology is the formal term for the hobby of collecting postcards. It is one of the most popular collecting hobbies in the world. Deltiologists collect postcards for their historical value, the artwork on the front, the stamps, or even the interesting historical messages written on the back.