ポスト

• Reading: ポスト
• Romaji: posuto
• Pronunciation: /po.sɯ.to/

Meaning

Postbox; mailbox. A box for depositing outgoing mail, typically red in Japan.

A loanword from English 'post' with multiple senses in Japanese: (1) a mailbox/postbox for sending letters (赤いポスト, the iconic red postbox), (2) a position or role (ポストに就く, to take a position), and (3) in modern usage, a social media post. The mailbox sense is most basic. Japan's red cylindrical postboxes (丸型ポスト) are a nostalgic cultural icon.

Examples

1. 手紙を書いたら駅前のポストに投函してきてね。 Once you've written the letter, drop it in the mailbox in front of the station.
2. 最近はポストに届くのは請求書ばかりだ。 Lately, all that shows up in the mailbox are bills.
3. あの赤いポストは明治時代から使われているらしい。 Apparently that red mailbox has been in use since the Meiji era.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, postal services, directions

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From English 'post' (mail), borrowed into Japanese during the Meiji era when the modern postal system was established. Written in katakana as a standard loanword. The word has since expanded to include meanings like 'position' and 'social media post.'

Cultural Context

Era: Meiji

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal