来信

• Pinyin: lái xìn
• Hanzi breakdown: 来 = simplified from 來, depicting wheat coming/arriving; 信 = 亻(person) + 言 (speech), a person's words = trust/letter

Meaning

Incoming letter; to write a letter (to the speaker). A letter received from someone.

Primarily a noun referring to a letter one receives. Can also be used as a verb phrase meaning 'to send a letter to me/us.' Retains relevance despite digital communication, often used metaphorically or in formal contexts like reader letters to publications.

Examples

1. 我收到了一封老朋友的来信，特别惊喜。 I received a letter from an old friend and was pleasantly surprised.
2. 杂志社每天都会收到读者的来信。 The magazine receives letters from readers every day.
3. 你到了那边记得来信告诉我们一切顺利。 Remember to write to us when you get there to let us know everything is fine.

Usage Guide

Context: correspondence, formal, media

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 我已经收到你的来信了。(I have received your letter.)
• 欢迎读者来信提出意见。(Readers are welcome to write in with their opinions.)

Don't Say

• 我来信给你。(来信 is from the recipient's perspective — use 写信给你 or 寄信给你 when you're the sender)

Origin & History

来 (lái, come) + 信 (xìn, letter). A letter that comes to you, i.e., an incoming letter.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal