What is the difference between "ふうとう" and "封筒"?

"ふうとう" means "envelope" (N5), whereas "封筒" represents "envelope" (N4).

Kanji Homophone Battle

Pronunciation Trap: "ふうとう (fūtō)"

Same sound, completely different Kanji! Choose the right conceptual writing.

Kanji Option A

ふうとう (fūtō)

N5 / CEFR

Kanji Option B

ふうとう (fūtō)

N4 / CEFR

In Japanese, many words share the exact same pronunciation "ふうとう (fūtō)" but are written with different Kanji, changing the meaning entirely.

ふうとう (Level: N5): Translates to "envelope" and is used when Used to enclose letters, documents, or money before mailing or handing over..
封筒 (Level: N4): Maps to "envelope" and carries the nuance of 手紙や書類などを入れて郵便で送るための紙の袋です。一枚の紙を折って作ることもあります。.

Mixing these up can easily result in unnatural writing. Look at the bilingual context cards below to master the conceptual boundaries!

Bilingual Context for "ふうとう"

手紙をふうとうに入れました。

I put the letter in an envelope.

Bilingual Context for "封筒"

手紙を封筒に入れてポストに入れました。

I put the letter in an envelope and put it in the mailbox.

Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?

Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: "手紙を＿＿＿に入れました。" (Meaning: "I put the letter in an envelope.")

🎉 Correct Answer!

Correct! "ふうとう" is used for "envelope" in the context: "I put the letter in an envelope.".