Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Postcard" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "postcard", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
葉書
はがき (hagaki)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
はがき
はがき (hagaki)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "postcard" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 葉書 and はがき.
In Japanese, 葉書 (はがき (hagaki)) is typically associated with "postcard" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents A card for writing and sending without an envelope. Often used for greetings or short messages..
On the other hand, はがき (はがき (hagaki)) maps to "postcard" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents A single piece of card for mailing, used for shorter messages without an envelope.. A literal translation of "postcard" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "葉書"
友達にきれいな葉書を送りました。
I sent a beautiful postcard to my friend.
Bilingual Context for "はがき"
友達にきれいなはがきを送りました。
I sent a beautiful postcard to my friend.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "友達にきれいな ＿＿＿ を送りました。" (Meaning: "I sent a beautiful postcard to my friend.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "葉書" fits here because it means "postcard" in the context of: "I sent a beautiful postcard to my friend.". "はがき" represents "postcard".