Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of a mailman is expressed through specific job titles, with the most common being 郵便配達員. The choice of term depends on formality and context, and the role is often referred to by the organization rather than the individual.
The person who delivers mail to homes and businesses.
Standard, neutral term for a mail carrier. Suitable for most situations.
郵便配達員が毎朝手紙を届けてくれる。
The mailman delivers letters every morning.
Friendly, colloquial term often used by children or in casual conversation. Adds さん for politeness.
Referring to the occupation in a formal or official sense, such as in job listings or news.
The standard job title used in official documents and job postings.
彼は郵便配達員として働いている。
He works as a mailman.
Japanese often avoids specifying the person and instead refers to the mail itself or the post office. For example, 'The mail came' (郵便が来た) is more natural than 'The mailman came' in many contexts.
The English word 'mailman' is gender-specific, but Japanese terms like 郵便配達員 are gender-neutral. Using a direct translation like メールマン is not standard and may cause confusion.
今日はまだ郵便が来ていない。
The mailman hasn't come yet today.
Natural Japanese often omits the person and focuses on the mail.
玄関で郵便配達員を見かけた。
I saw the mailman at the door.
郵便屋さんが来たよ。
The mailman is here!
Descriptive phrase meaning 'the person who delivers mail'. Used when the exact job title is not needed.
郵便配達の人が荷物を持ってきた。
The mailman brought a package.
Formal term for a postal worker who both collects and delivers mail. Used in official contexts.
郵便集配員は毎日決まったルートを回る。
The mail carrier follows a fixed route every day.
Refers to a post office employee in general, which may include mail carriers but is broader. Use when the specific role is unclear.
郵便局員が親切に対応してくれた。
The postal worker helped me kindly.