Meaning and Usage
"便り" (たより) primarily means "news," "correspondence," or "letter." It is often used to refer to receiving or sending messages, letters, or updates from someone.
Common Contexts
You will frequently see "便り" in contexts involving personal communication, such as letters from friends or family, or news updates. It can also appear in idiomatic expressions like "便りがないのは良い便り" (no news is good news).
Collocations and Patterns
- 便りが届く: to receive news or a letter
- 便りを書く: to write a letter
- 久しぶりの便り: news after a long time
- 便りがない: no news (often implying no bad news)
Register and Nuance
"便り" is somewhat formal and literary compared to casual words like "メール" (email) or "手紙" (letter). It is suitable for written communication and polite conversation.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "便り" with "便宜" (べんぎ, convenience) due to similar pronunciation. Remember "便り" relates to communication and news, not convenience.