Translation guide
The English word 'sending' covers a range of actions from dispatching physical items to transmitting electronic messages. In Japanese, the appropriate expression depends on what is being sent and the method of sending.
To dispatch or forward a physical item to a recipient, typically via postal or delivery service.
The most general verb for sending something. Can be used for letters, packages, emails, etc.
Formal term for shipping or dispatching goods, often used in business contexts.
商品を発送しました。
We have shipped the product.
Specifically sending by postal mail.
書類を郵送してください。
Please send the documents by mail.
To transmit a digital message or file via the internet or other electronic means.
Standard verb for sending electronic data, such as emails or files.
メールを送信しました。
I sent the email.
データを送信する。
Send data.
Also commonly used for emails and messages in casual contexts.
メールを送るね。
I'll send you an email.
To dispatch a person to go somewhere, often for a specific purpose.
Causative form of 行く (to go), meaning to make/let someone go; used for sending a person.
彼を買い物に行かせた。
I sent him to do the shopping.
Formal term for dispatching personnel, such as employees or troops.
社員を海外に派遣する。
Send employees overseas.
Used in certain expressions like 使いに出す (send on an errand).
子供を使いに出した。
I sent the child on an errand.
To accompany someone to their point of departure and say goodbye.
To see someone off, such as at an airport or station.
駅まで友達を見送った。
I saw my friend off at the station.
To emit or transmit a signal, radio wave, or broadcast content.
送る is a general verb for sending physical items and casual electronic messages. 送信する is specifically for electronic transmission and sounds more technical.
手紙を送る (natural) / 手紙を送信する (unnatural)
Send a letter (natural) / Send a letter (unnatural, as if electronic)
To send a person somewhere, use causative forms like 行かせる or specific verbs like 派遣する. Using 送る for people can imply 'escorting' or 'seeing off', not dispatching.