Overview
The Japanese word 'ポスト' (posuto) directly translates to 'post' or 'postbox' in English. It's a common loanword, derived from the English 'post,' and is used to refer specifically to a public mailbox where one deposits letters and postcards to be sent through the postal service. It does not generally refer to a private mailbox at a residence, which would more commonly be called a '郵便受け' (yūbin-uke) or '郵便箱' (yūbin-bako).
In Japan, public postboxes are typically red, cylindrical, and clearly marked with the Japan Post (日本郵便 - Nippon Yūbin) logo. They are ubiquitous, found in urban and rural areas alike, often placed at street corners, outside post offices, and near train stations. The design is quite iconic and easily recognizable. Many postboxes in larger cities also feature two slots: one for standard mail (e.g., letters, postcards) and another for express mail or specific types of parcels, although the exact configuration can vary.
Historically, the concept of a public postal system and mailboxes was introduced to Japan in the late 19th century as part of the country's modernization efforts during the Meiji Restoration. Before this, communication was primarily through messengers or private couriers. The adoption of a structured postal service, complete with public mailboxes, was crucial for national communication and economic development. The term 'ポスト' quickly became integrated into the Japanese lexicon, reflecting the direct adoption of Western postal practices and terminology.
Beyond its literal meaning, 'ポスト' can also be used in a more metaphorical sense, though less commonly than its direct translation. For example, 'ポスト〇〇' (posuto maru maru) can refer to 'the next 〇〇' or 'the successor to 〇〇,' similar to how 'post-election' or 'post-war' might be used in English to denote a period or state after an event. However, in everyday conversation, if someone says 'ポスト,' they almost invariably mean a physical mailbox.
Understanding 'ポスト' is essential for navigating daily life in Japan, especially for tasks related to sending mail. It's a fundamental vocabulary word for anyone learning Japanese or traveling to the country, providing a direct link to a key public service and a common sight in the Japanese urban landscape.
例句
手紙をポストに入れた。
General useI put the letter in the mailbox.
郵便局の前に赤いポストがある。
Public mail collection boxThere is a red postbox in front of the post office.
ポストにチラシがたくさん入っていた。
Home mailboxThere were a lot of flyers in the postbox.
彼はそのポストを辞任した。
Position/job (less common, usually 役職 or 地位)He resigned from that post.
彼のポストは重要だ。
Position/jobHis post is important.
常见搭配
容易混淆的词
语法模式
如何使用
使用说明
The primary and most common usage of 'ポスト' is to refer to a physical mailbox or postbox where people drop off letters and packages for mailing. It can refer to both the public red mailboxes found on streets and personal mailboxes attached to homes or apartments. For example, you might say, '手紙をポストに入れる' (tegami o posuto ni ireru - 'to put a letter in the mailbox'). Less commonly, it can also refer to a 'post' or position, as in '彼は新しいポストに就いた' (kare wa atarashii posuto ni tsuita - 'He took up a new post/position'), but this usage is less frequent and often implied by context or accompanied by additional words to clarify the meaning (e.g., '役職のポスト' - yakushoku no posuto, 'a post of duty'). In casual conversation, 'ポスト' almost exclusively refers to a mailbox.
常见错误
One common mistake is confusing 'ポスト' (posuto) with '郵便局' (yuubinkyoku), which means post office. While related, 'ポスト' refers specifically to the physical collection box for mail, whereas '郵便局' is the building where postal services are conducted. Another mistake might be mispronouncing the 'su' at the end; it's a very subtle, almost swallowed sound, not a strong 'soo'. Some learners might also incorrectly assume it can refer to a 'post' as in a job position, but for that, other words like '役職' (yakushoku) or '地位' (chii) are used. Remember 'ポスト' is almost exclusively for mail receptacles. Lastly, sometimes people confuse it with 'ポストカード' (posutokaado), which is a postcard; while related to mail, they are distinct items.
小贴士
Word Origin and Meaning
Common Misunderstandings
Example Phrases
词源
The Japanese word 'ポスト' (posuto) for 'mailbox' or 'postbox' is a direct borrowing from the English word 'post.' This type of borrowing, known as a loanword or gairaigo (外来語), is very common in Japanese, especially for concepts or objects introduced from Western cultures. The history of 'post' itself can be traced back through several European languages: 1. Latin: The ultimate root is often considered to be the Latin word *posita*, the feminine past participle of *ponere*, meaning 'to place' or 'to put.' This evolved into *postus* (from *pono*, 'I place') referring to a 'station' or 'place where horses were kept for successive stages of a journey,' and later, the stages themselves. 2. Old French: From Latin, it moved into Old French as *poste*, retaining the sense of 'staging post' or 'relay station' for travelers and messages. 3. Middle English: English borrowed 'post' from Old French in the late 14th or early 15th century. Initially, it referred to: * A 'station' or 'place' where messengers or travelers stopped. * A 'messenger' or 'courier' who traveled between these stations. * The 'system' of conveying letters and packages using such messengers and stations. 4. Evolution of meaning in English: Over centuries, the meaning of 'post' diversified: * Mail/Letters: By the 16th century, 'post' clearly referred to the system for conveying mail, and subsequently, to the mail itself. The term 'post office' emerged around this time. * Postbox/Mailbox: As public mail systems became more established, the need for public collection points for letters arose. The physical container for depositing mail became known as a 'postbox' or 'mailbox' (the latter being more common in American English, while 'postbox' is prevalent in British English). * Other meanings: 'Post' also developed other meanings, such as a stake driven into the ground (from a different Latin root, *postis*), or a position/job (influenced by the 'station' meaning). 5. Introduction to Japanese: Japan's significant modernization and opening to the West during the Meiji Restoration (1868 onwards) led to the adoption of many Western technologies, systems, and concepts. The modern postal system was one such innovation, largely modeled after Western systems. * The word 'post' (as in the mail system or the physical box) was adopted into Japanese as 'ポスト' (posuto) likely in the late 19th or early 20th century. It became the standard term for the red public mailboxes found throughout Japan. * The Katakana script (カタカナ), used for transcribing foreign words, clearly indicates its foreign origin. In summary, 'ポスト' in Japanese is a testament to the global influence of the English language and the historical interconnectedness of cultures, particularly during periods of rapid modernization and technological exchange.
文化背景
The word 'ポスト' (posuto) in Japanese directly comes from the English word 'post' or 'postbox.' Therefore, its cultural context is largely aligned with Western concepts of mail delivery and communication infrastructure. Historically, Japan developed its own robust postal system, influenced by Western models during the Meiji era. Public mailboxes, often red, are a common sight in Japanese cities and towns, serving as a familiar symbol of public service and connectivity. While physical mail remains important, especially for official documents and some personal correspondence, the increasing reliance on digital communication has naturally impacted its role, much like in other developed nations. Despite this, the 'ポスト' retains a certain nostalgic and practical value within Japanese society.
记忆技巧
Visualize a 'post-it' note stuck to a mailbox. The word 'ポスト' sounds like 'post-it', helping you remember it means mailbox or postbox.
常见问题
4 个问题自我测试
郵便局の前に赤い____があります。
手紙を____に投函しました。
朝、新聞が____に入っていました。
得分: /3
Word Origin and Meaning
Common Misunderstandings
Example Phrases
例句
5 / 5手紙をポストに入れた。
I put the letter in the mailbox.
郵便局の前に赤いポストがある。
There is a red postbox in front of the post office.
ポストにチラシがたくさん入っていた。
There were a lot of flyers in the postbox.
彼はそのポストを辞任した。
He resigned from that post.
彼のポストは重要だ。
His post is important.
相关内容
更多daily_life词汇
もう少し
B1A little more.
じゅうしょ
A2The particulars of the place where someone lives.
住所
A2address, residence
~後
A2after
目覚まし
B1Alarm clock. A clock that makes a noise to wake someone up.
目覚まし時計
B1An alarm clock.
ひとりで
A2Alone.
~のに
B1Even though; despite (particle/conjunction).
ごぜん
A2Morning (a.m.).
煩い
B1Noisy; annoying.