Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Delivery" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "delivery", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
配達
はいたつ (haitatsu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
交付
こうふ (kōfu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "delivery" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 配達 and 交付.
In Japanese, 配達 (はいたつ (haitatsu)) is typically associated with "delivery" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to the act of delivering goods, mail, food, etc., to a specific address. Often used with the verb する.
On the other hand, 交付 (こうふ (kōfu)) maps to "delivery, issue (of documents), grant, handout" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents A formal term, typically used for the official issuance or handing over of documents. A literal translation of "delivery" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "配達"
ピザの配達をお願いします。
Please deliver the pizza.
Bilingual Context for "交付"
運転免許証は、申請から2週間後に交付されます。
The driver's license will be issued two weeks after application.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "ピザの ＿＿＿ をお願いします。" (Meaning: "Please deliver the pizza.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "配達" fits here because it means "delivery" in the context of: "Please deliver the pizza.". "交付" represents "delivery, issue (of documents), grant, handout".