Translation and Meaning of: 送料 - souryou

If you have ever shopped online in Japan or researched shipping goods, you have probably come across the word 送料[そうりょう]. But what does it mean exactly? In this article, we will explore its meaning, usage in everyday Japanese, and even tips for memorizing it. If you are learning Japanese or are curious about terms related to shopping and logistics, this content will help you understand how Japanese people use this word in their daily lives.

The meaning and use of 送料 in everyday Japanese

The word 送料 specifically refers to "shipping costs" or "freight" in commercial transactions. It is composed of the kanjis 送 (shipment/dispatch) and 料 (fee/cost), forming a direct and functional term. Unlike more abstract words, 送料 has a very practical use, frequently appearing in e-commerce, store notices, and even in informal conversations about shopping.

In Japan, where the delivery culture is highly developed, discussing 送料 is common. Many websites highlight whether shipping is free (送料無料) or if there are conditions for exemption. It is worth noting that, although it is a word used in everyday life, it maintains a neutral tone – it is neither excessively formal nor overly casual, making it suitable for most situations.

The origin and structure of the kanjis of 送料

Analyzing the kanjis individually, 送 (SOU) carries the meaning of "send" or "dispatch," appearing in words like 送信 (message sending) or 見送り (farewell). On the other hand, 料 (RYOU) indicates "fee" or "material," present in terms like 材料 (ingredients) and 料金 (fare). This combination creates a transparent meaning: the cost associated with sending something.

It is interesting to note that while 料 is used in various payment contexts, in 送料 it is specifically limited to transportation services. This specificity is typical of Japanese, where compounds with kanji tend to clearly define the scope of the term. There are no records of archaic meanings or relevant dialectal variations for this word – it has maintained its clear function over time.

Tips for memorizing and using 送料 correctly

An effective way to fix 送料 is to associate it with real situations. For example, when seeing ads from stores like Amazon Japan or Rakuten, notice how the word appears in sentences like "送料は地域によって異なります" (Shipping varies by region). This concrete context helps to memorize not only the term but also its natural usage.

Another strategy is to focus on the kanji 送, which appears in other words related to "sending." Creating a mental group with words like 配送 (delivery) and 送付 (shipment) can strengthen your network of associations. Avoid confusing it with similar terms like 配送料 (which also means freight, but with an emphasis on distribution) – the difference is subtle, but 送料 is more comprehensive.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 運賃 (Unchin) - Transportation costs associated with transport services, such as buses or trains.
• 配送料 (Haisōryō) - Shipping cost related to the delivery of products, commonly used in commerce.
• 輸送料 (Yusōryō) - Cost of international transport, especially for imported and exported products.
• 送料金 (Sōryōkin) - Payment for shipping costs, often used as financial terminology for transportation expenses.
• 運搬費用 (Unpan Hiyō) - Cost or expenses related to the transportation and handling of goods.

送料

Romaji: souryou
Kana: そうりょう
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: post; transport

Meaning in English: postage;carriage

Definition: Charges incurred in the transportation of goods.

Example Sentences - (送料) souryou

See below some example sentences:

送料は商品の配送費用です。

Souryou wa shouhin no haisou hiyou desu

Freight is the cost of shipping the product.

The shipping fee is the cost of delivery of the product.

• 送料 - It means "shipping cost" in Japanese.
• は - It is a Japanese grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "shipping cost".
• 商品 - It means "product" in Japanese.
• の - It is a Japanese grammatical particle that indicates possession or relationship between two words, in this case, "product" and "shipping cost".
• 配送 - It means "delivery" in Japanese.
• 費用 - It means "cost" in Japanese.
• です - It is a polite way to say "is" in Japanese.