便り

• Reading: たより
• Romaji: tayori
• Kanji breakdown: 便 (ben/bin/tayori) — convenience, communication, news
• Pronunciation: /ta.jo.ɾi/

Meaning

News; tidings; correspondence. Word or communication received from someone, often in letter form.

Primarily a noun used for letters and news from someone (友人からの便り, word from a friend). Common in the proverb 便りがないのは良い便り (no news is good news). Also used in seasonal contexts: 春の便り (tidings of spring), 桜の便り (news of cherry blossoms). More literary and warm than 手紙 (letter) or 連絡 (contact).

Examples

1. 海外に住んでいる友人から便りが届いた。 I received word from a friend living overseas.
2. 便りがないのは元気な証拠だと思う。 I believe that no news is proof that they're doing well.
3. 季節の便りを楽しみにしている。 I look forward to seasonal tidings.

Usage Guide

Context: correspondence, literature, seasonal greetings

Tone: warm

Origin & History

The kanji 便 means 'convenience' or 'communication.' The reading たより is a native Japanese word originally meaning 'something to rely on' (related to 頼り). Over time, it came to mean 'news' or 'correspondence' — information one can rely on.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal