Usage of ～宛
The suffix ～宛 (～あて) is used to indicate the recipient or destination of something, commonly in letters, packages, or emails. It attaches to a person's name, a department, or a role to specify who the item is intended for.
Common Contexts
You will often see ～宛 in formal or business communication, such as addressing letters or parcels. It clarifies the intended recipient clearly and politely.
Typical Collocations
- 名前＋宛 (e.g., 田中さん宛): addressed to Mr./Ms. Name
- 部署名＋宛 (e.g., 営業部宛): addressed to a department
- 役職名＋宛 (e.g., 担当者宛): addressed to a person in charge
Important Notes
- ～宛 is not used for the sender but only for the recipient.
- It is often followed by に (e.g., 田中さん宛に) to indicate direction.
- Learners sometimes confuse 宛 with 宛先 (あてさき), which means "address" or "destination"; ～宛 specifically marks the addressee.
Using ～宛 correctly helps make your communication clear and polite, especially in formal written Japanese.