Translation guide
In Japanese, the word for 'mailbox' depends on whether you mean a public collection box (postbox), a private mailbox at a home, or a digital inbox. The most common term is ポスト, but other words are used in specific contexts.
A red or public box on the street where you drop letters to be collected and sent.
The most common word for a public postbox. It is a loanword from English 'post' and is widely understood.
あの角にポストがあります。
There's a mailbox on that corner.
手紙をポストに入れてください。
Please put the letter in the mailbox.
Literally 'mail post', this is a more formal or explicit term for a public postbox, often used in official contexts.
郵便ポストはどこですか？
Where is the mailbox?
A box at your house or building where you receive mail.
The standard term for a private mailbox attached to a house or apartment. It literally means 'mail receiver'.
郵便受けを確認してください。
Please check the mailbox.
新しい郵便受けを買いました。
I bought a new mailbox.
Also used for private mailboxes, especially in casual conversation. However, it can be ambiguous, so context is needed.
The folder or area where you receive electronic messages.
The standard term for an email inbox. It literally means 'receiving box'.
受信箱を確認してください。
Please check your inbox.
メールが受信箱に届きました。
The email arrived in my inbox.
A loanword from English 'inbox'. Commonly used in IT contexts and among younger people.
インボックスがいっぱいです。
My inbox is full.
ポスト usually refers to a public postbox for sending mail. 郵便受け is a private mailbox for receiving mail. 受信箱 is for digital inboxes. In casual speech, ポスト can be used for private mailboxes, but it's clearer to use 郵便受け for that.
ポストに手紙を出しに行く。
I go to drop a letter in the postbox.
郵便受けに郵便が来ていた。
Mail had come to my mailbox.
メールボックス can be misunderstood as a physical mailbox. For email, use 受信箱 or インボックス.
受信箱を確認する
check the inbox
受信箱を確認する
check the inbox
The newspaper was in the mailbox at home.
A direct loanword from English 'mailbox'. It is understood but less common than 郵便受け or ポスト. Sometimes used for apartment building mailboxes.
マンションのメールボックスを開けた。
I opened the apartment mailbox.