Translation and Meaning of: 同封 - doufuu

The Japanese word 同封[どうふう] may seem simple at first glance, but it carries interesting nuances for those learning the language or interested in Japanese culture. In this article, we will explore its meaning, everyday use, and how it fits into formal and informal contexts. Additionally, we will understand why this expression is so useful in daily life and how to memorize it efficiently.

If you've ever needed to send something along with a letter or email, you have probably encountered situations where 同封 would be the right word. But does it have other uses? How do the Japanese perceive it in their daily lives? Let's discover all this and a little more, with practical examples and tips based on reliable sources. Suki Nihongo, the best online Japanese dictionary, has gathered this information so you can learn in a clear and straightforward way.

Meaning and usage of 同封

同封 is a Japanese term that means "to send together" or "to include in the same envelope." It is composed of the kanjis 同 (same) and 封 (seal, envelope), literally indicating the action of placing something inside the same package or correspondence. This word is often used in formal contexts, such as business documents, official letters, or even in professional emails.

A common example is when someone sends a letter with a check or an attached form. In this case, one might say "同封の書類をご確認ください" (please check the included documents). Although it is more associated with physical correspondence, it can also be used digitally, as in "同封のファイルを開いてください" (please open the attached file).

Origin and structure of kanjis

The etymology of 同封 traces back to the classical use of the kanjis that make it up. The character 同, which means "equal" or "same", appears in various Japanese words, such as 同時 (dōji - simultaneous) and 同意 (dōi - consent). Meanwhile, 封 is directly related to sealing or closing, as in 封筒 (fūtō - envelope). The combination of these ideograms reinforces the idea of uniting items in the same package.

It is worth noting that although 封 is a less common kanji in daily life, it is essential for understanding terms related to correspondence and documents. Its presence in 同封 is not random: it reflects the historical importance of sealing letters and envelopes in Japan, a tradition that dates back centuries.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

To fix 同封 in memory, an effective strategy is to associate it with practical situations. Imagine you are sending a gift with a card – that's 同封 in action. Another tip is to create flashcards with sentences like "この手紙に写真を同封した" (I included a photo with this letter). Repeating this type of construction helps to internalize the vocabulary.

Additionally, pay attention to the tone of the conversation. Being more formal, 同封 is not usually found in casual dialogues between friends. Its natural place is in professional or written contexts. Knowing when and how to use it demonstrates mastery of Japanese and respect for the linguistic conventions of the country.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 同梱 (Doukon) - Joint inclusion of items, usually in a single package.
• 一緒に入れる (Issho ni ireru) - Put together, emphasizing the act of putting items together.
• 一緒に送る (Issho ni okuru) - Send together, highlighting the act of sending items in a single shipment.

同封

Romaji: doufuu
Kana: どうふう
Type: Noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: Cabinet (for example, in a letter)

Meaning in English: enclosure (e.g. in a letter)

Definition: To send other items along with correspondence or products.