宛名

あてな

address, direction

JLPT N2

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The word 宛名 (あてな) specifically refers to the name and address of the recipient on letters, packages, or envelopes. It is commonly used in contexts involving mailing or shipping.

Common Contexts

You will often see 宛名 when preparing mail, filling out forms for delivery, or printing labels. It is important to write the 宛名 correctly to ensure the item reaches the intended person.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 宛名を書く: to write the recipient's name and address
  • 宛名が間違っている: the address is incorrect
  • 宛名を印刷する: to print the recipient's address

These phrases are frequently used in everyday situations involving postal services.

Register and Politeness

宛名 is a neutral, standard term used in both formal and informal contexts related to mailing. It is not casual slang but also not overly formal.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse 宛名 with 住所 (じゅうしょ), which means 'address' alone. 宛名 always implies the recipient's name plus address, so when mailing something, 宛名 is the more precise term to use.

Example Sentences

このふうとうのあてなをかいてください。

Please write the recipient's name and address on this envelope.

あてながまちがっていると、ゆうびんぶつがとどきません。

If the address is incorrect, the mail will not be delivered.

あてなをいんさつするまえに、もういちどかくにんしてください。

Please double-check the address before printing it.