Translation guide
The English phrasal verb 'send out' covers several related meanings: dispatching something physically, emitting signals or light, issuing invitations or announcements, and radiating a feeling or impression. Japanese uses different verbs depending on what is being sent and how.
To send something (a letter, package, goods) to a destination, often via postal service or courier.
General verb for sending something. Works for letters, packages, emails, etc.
手紙を送りました。
I sent out a letter.
商品を明日送ります。
We will send out the goods tomorrow.
More formal, often used for shipping goods, parcels, or bulk mailings.
注文品を本日発送しました。
We sent out your order today.
Specifically sending by postal mail.
書類を郵送で送ります。
I'll send out the documents by mail.
To produce and release something intangible like light, sound, radio waves, or odor.
General verb for putting something out. Combine with a noun: 光を出す (emit light), 音を出す (make a sound), 信号を出す (send a signal).
その星は強い光を出している。
That star is sending out strong light.
機械が変な音を出した。
The machine sent out a strange noise.
More formal/literary. Used for emitting light, heat, sound, signals, or even a statement.
Literary or dramatic. Often used for releasing something forcefully or suddenly, like an arrow, light, or a strong smell.
To send out invitations, announcements, newsletters, or official notices to multiple people.
Works for sending out emails, invitations, newsletters, etc.
招待状を全員に送りました。
We sent out invitations to everyone.
Used for issuing or publishing something like a newsletter, bulletin, or statement.
会社は毎月ニュースレターを発行している。
The company sends out a newsletter every month.
Specifically for digital distribution: email newsletters, streaming, etc.
メールマガジンを配信しています。
We send out an email newsletter.
To give an impression or feeling to others, often through body language or attitude.
To create and emit a certain atmosphere, mood, or feeling. Often used for people or places.
彼は自信を醸し出している。
He sends out an air of confidence.
その店は落ち着いた雰囲気を醸し出している。
The shop sends out a calm atmosphere.
To let something (a mood, scent, etc.) drift or waft out. Often used for a subtle or lingering impression.
彼女は悲しみを漂わせていた。
She was sending out an air of sadness.
Can also be used for radiating a strong aura or presence, often in a dramatic sense.
In many cases, the most natural Japanese expression does not use a direct translation of 'send out'. For example, 'send out a search party' is 捜索隊を出す (そうさくたいをだす) or 派遣する (はけんする), not 送り出す. Consider the object and context.
出す (だす) means 'to put out' and is used for emitting or issuing things from a source. 送る (おくる) means 'to send' and implies transmission to a destination. Use 出す for light, sound, signals, and issuing notices; use 送る for mailing, shipping, or transmitting to a recipient.
太陽は熱と光を発する。
The sun sends out heat and light.
The flowers are sending out a strong fragrance.
He sends out a powerful aura.