小包

• Reading: こづつみ
• Romaji: kozutsumi
• Kanji breakdown: 小 (ko/shou) — small, little; 包 (tsutsumi/hou) — wrap, package
• Pronunciation: /ko.zɯ.tsɯ.mi/

Meaning

Parcel; package; small wrapped bundle. A wrapped item sent by post or delivery.

A noun specifically referring to a wrapped package or parcel, typically one sent through the mail. Distinct from 荷物 (luggage/package in general), 小包 implies something wrapped and mailed. Used at post offices and in postal terminology.

Examples

1. 友達に誕生日の小包を送った。 I sent a birthday package to my friend.
2. 海外から届いた小包を開けるのが楽しみだ。 I'm excited to open the parcel that arrived from overseas.
3. 郵便局で小包の送料を確認した。 I checked the shipping cost for a parcel at the post office.

Usage Guide

Context: post office, shipping, gifts

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Composed of 小 (small) and 包 (wrap, package). Literally 'small wrapping,' originally distinguishing smaller postal items from larger cargo shipments.

Cultural Context

Era: Edo

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal