Dictionary
English - Japanese
Letter
ˈlɛdər
Extremely common
400 - 500
400 - 500
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
手紙 (てがみ), 文字 (もじ), 称号 (しょうごう), 通知 (つうち)
Letter meanings in Japanese
手紙 (てがみ)
Example:
I received a letter from my friend.
友達から手紙をもらいました。
She wrote a letter to her grandmother.
彼女は祖母に手紙を書きました。
Usage: informalContext: Used in personal communication, such as correspondence between friends or family.
Note: 手紙 (てがみ) is commonly used for personal letters. In formal situations, you might use the term 書簡 (しょかん) instead.
文字 (もじ)
Example:
Each letter in the alphabet has its own sound.
アルファベットの各文字にはそれぞれ音があります。
Please write your name in block letters.
名前をブロック文字で書いてください。
Usage: formal/informalContext: Used in both educational and everyday contexts to refer to characters or symbols in writing.
Note: 文字 (もじ) refers to characters or letters in writing systems, not just in English but in any language.
称号 (しょうごう)
Example:
He earned the title of 'Doctor' by writing a letter to the university.
彼は大学に手紙を書いて「博士」の称号を得ました。
The letter 'S' stands for 'South'.
文字「S」は「南」を表します。
Usage: formalContext: Used in academic or official contexts when referring to titles or designations.
Note: 称号 (しょうごう) can refer to titles or honors, often found in formal documents or academic settings.
通知 (つうち)
Example:
The company sent a letter notifying employees of the policy change.
会社は従業員に政策変更を通知する手紙を送りました。
You should receive a letter regarding your application status.
あなたの申請状況に関する通知の手紙を受け取るはずです。
Usage: formalContext: Used in business or official communications to inform recipients about important matters.
Note: 通知 (つうち) is often used in a more formal context, indicating official notices or communications.
Letter's synonyms
message
A message is a written, spoken, or recorded communication sent from one person to another.
Example: I received a message from my friend.
Note: While a letter is a specific form of written communication, a message can be written, spoken, or recorded.
note
A note is a brief written record of something to assist the memory or for communication.
Example: She left a note on the kitchen table.
Note: A note is usually shorter and more informal than a letter.
correspondence
Correspondence refers to communication by exchanging letters with someone.
Example: The company's correspondence with its clients is handled professionally.
Note: Correspondence is a broader term that encompasses all forms of written communication, including letters.
missive
A missive is a formal or official letter.
Example: The ambassador sent a missive to the foreign ministry.
Note: Missive is often used in formal or official contexts, whereas a letter can be more casual.
Letter expressions, common phrases
Open letter
An open letter is a letter that is published and intended for a wide audience to read, often addressing a specific issue or expressing a viewpoint.
Example: The activist wrote an open letter to the government expressing her concerns.
Note: The term 'open letter' carries the implication of being public and accessible to many, as opposed to a private communication.
Chain letter
A chain letter is a message that is sent to multiple recipients with a request to forward it to others, often promising good luck or threatening bad luck if not followed.
Example: I received a chain letter in my email inbox asking me to send it to ten more people.
Note: Unlike a traditional letter, a chain letter is typically not a personal communication but rather a message passed along in a chain-like manner.
Dead letter
A dead letter refers to a law, rule, or agreement that is no longer valid or enforceable.
Example: The law that was passed has rendered the previous regulations a dead letter.
Note: In this context, 'dead letter' conveys the idea of something that is obsolete or ineffective, rather than a literal written communication.
Love letter
A love letter is a written expression of affection, typically romantic in nature and intended to convey deep emotions to a loved one.
Example: He poured his heart out in a love letter to his long-distance girlfriend.
Note: Unlike a casual letter or message, a love letter is usually more intimate and heartfelt, expressing deep emotions.
Red letter day
A red-letter day is a special, memorable day, often marked by an important event or achievement that stands out in one's memory.
Example: Winning the championship was definitely a red-letter day in his life.
Note: This phrase uses 'red letter' figuratively to signify significance or importance, rather than referring to a physical letter.
Dear John letter
A Dear John letter is a letter, typically from a woman to her partner, informing them of the end of the relationship.
Example: She couldn't face him, so she sent a Dear John letter instead.
Note: The term 'Dear John letter' is specific to a breakup message sent through a letter and conveys the idea of a formal or impersonal breakup notification.
Letter of the law
To adhere strictly to the letter of the law means to obey the exact words and interpretation of a law, regulation, or rule, without considering the spirit or intention behind it.
Example: He followed the letter of the law, even if it seemed unfair.
Note: This phrase emphasizes strict adherence to the literal wording of a law, focusing on technical compliance rather than the underlying purpose or intent.
Letter-perfect
Something described as letter-perfect is flawless, accurate, and without errors or imperfections.
Example: Her presentation was letter-perfect, with no mistakes in sight.
Note: The term 'letter-perfect' emphasizes precision and correctness down to the smallest detail, akin to the flawless appearance of well-formed letters.
Letters of recommendation
Letters of recommendation are formal letters written by someone who knows you well, endorsing your character, abilities, and qualifications for a specific purpose, such as a job or academic application.
Example: He asked his former professors to write letters of recommendation for his job applications.
Note: Unlike personal or casual letters, letters of recommendation have a formal structure and are tailored to support someone's application or candidacy for a particular opportunity.
Letter everyday (slang) expressions
Drop a line
To communicate briefly or send a short message.
Example: Hey, why don't you drop me a line sometime?
Note: Replaces 'write a letter,' suggesting a more casual and informal form of communication such as a text or email.
Hit the books
To study intensively or start working on something.
Example: I need to hit the books and write this paper tonight.
Note: Refers to starting to study or work on something in a focused way, not to literally hitting physical books or letters.
Get the message
To understand or comprehend something.
Example: I think he finally got the message about why we can't go.
Note: Implies understanding or receiving information, not necessarily written in a letter.
Read between the lines
To understand the hidden or implied meaning in what someone says or writes.
Example: She didn't say it directly, but I'm reading between the lines that she's not happy.
Note: Refers to understanding the subtext or hidden message in communication, not literally reading letters between lines on a page.
In black and white
In written or printed form, typically referring to something official or documented.
Example: I need to see it in black and white before I believe it.
Note: Refers to something being clearly written or documented, not specifically as a 'letter' but more broadly as written information in any form.
Put it in writing
To formalize or make official by documenting in writing.
Example: If you agree to these terms, I'll need you to put it in writing.
Note: Refers to any written communication, not limited to a traditional 'letter,' but could involve emails, contracts, etc.
Read my lips
An emphatic way to ensure someone understands and remembers a statement.
Example: Read my lips, I'm not going to change my mind.
Note: An idiom to emphasize a verbal message, not related to reading words literally on lips as in a letter.
Letter - Examples
I received a letter from my friend yesterday.
The word 'cat' has three letters.
Calligraphy is the art of beautiful writing.
Letter grammar
Letter - Noun (Noun) / Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass)
Lemma: letter
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): letters
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): letter
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): lettered
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): lettering
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): letters
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): letter
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): letter
Syllables, Separation and Stress
letter Contains 2 syllables: let • ter
Phonetic transcription: ˈle-tər
let ter , ˈle tər (The red syllable is stressed)
Letter - Importance and usage frequency
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
letter: 400 - 500 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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