Translation and Meaning of: 封筒 - fuutou

The word 「封筒」 (fuutou) refers to the object internationally known as an envelope. It is a fundamental tool in offices and for sending mail around the world. The expression is composed of two kanji characters: 「封」 and 「筒」. The first kanji, 「封」 (fuu), means "to seal" or "to close." The second kanji, 「筒」 (tou), refers to a "tube" or "cylinder," but in compounds, it can indicate something that contains or holds, like a container.

The etymology of the word reveals the traditional role of the envelope as a secure means of transporting messages, allowing documents and letters to be protected and sealed until they reach the recipient. In history, when the use of paper began to become popular, envelopes became essential for preserving the privacy of correspondence. The idea of sealing the contents enabled personal or commercial messages to be transmitted without the risk of being read by third parties.

In Japan, the concept of 「封筒」 is especially important on special occasions and ceremonies, where specific decorative envelopes called 「金封」 (kinpuu) are used, often to offer money as a gift at weddings and other celebrations. These envelopes are not only functional but also carry cultural meanings and traditions, highlighting the importance of presentation and etiquette in the act of gift-giving.

Variações e Uso Cultural

• 「お年玉袋」 (otoshidama-bukuro): A type of 「封筒」 used especially during the New Year to give money to children.
• 「香典袋」 (koden-bukuro): Used to give condolences at funerals, accompanying the monetary offering.
• 「ポチ袋」 (pochi-bukuro): Small envelopes for small amounts of money, usually used for tips or small donations.

The evolution of the use of 「封筒」 illustrates not only the adaptation to technological and social changes but also the preservation of unique cultural traditions, showing how a simple tool can have broad and varied meanings depending on the context.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 封書 (ふうしょ) - Letter or sealed document, usually used for formal correspondence.
• 信封 (しんぶう) - Envelope, used to send letters or documents.
• 封筒袋 (ふうとうぶくろ) - Bag or pouch for envelopes, a type of packaging to protect envelopes during transport.

封筒

Romaji: fuutou
Kana: ふうとう
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: envelope

Meaning in English: envelope

Definition: A paper bag to store letters, documents, etc.

Example Sentences - (封筒) fuutou

See below some example sentences:

この封筒には大切な手紙が入っています。

Kono fuutou ni wa taisetsu na tegami ga haitteimasu

This envelope contains an important letter.

• この - this
• 封筒 - envelope
• に - in
• は - is
• 大切な - important
• 手紙 - carta
• が - (subject particle)
• 入っています - it's inside