Yuka発送、配達、配送 — three words all related to sending and delivering things. Which do you use when?
Rei発送 (hassou) is the act of dispatching/shipping something out. 配達 (haitatsu) is delivering to the recipient. 配送 (haisou) is the broader logistics/shipping service. They describe different parts of the same journey!
| 発送 (hassou) | 配達 (haitatsu) | 配送 (haisou) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Dispatching / sending out | Delivering to the recipient | Delivery service / shipping (logistics) |
| Focus | Sender’s action: shipping it out | Carrier’s action: bringing it to you | System / service level |
| Example | 商品を発送しました。 | 荷物が配達されました。 | 配送料無料 |
発送 — Shipping It Out
発送 (hassou) refers to the act of dispatching or sending something — from the sender’s side. When a shop ships your order, they 発送 it.
- 商品を本日発送しました。— We shipped your item today.
- 発送通知が来た。— A shipping notification arrived.
- 発送準備中です。— Your order is being prepared for shipment.
配達 — Delivering to You
配達 (haitatsu) is the act of actually bringing something to the recipient’s address. It focuses on the final leg — the carrier delivering to your door.
- 荷物が配達されました。— The package was delivered.
- 配達時間を指定できます。— You can specify the delivery time.
- 不在で配達されなかった。— I wasn’t home so it wasn’t delivered.
- ピザの配達を頼んだ。— I ordered pizza delivery.
配送 — The Shipping Service
配送 (haisou) refers to the broader shipping/delivery service or system — used in contexts like shipping fees, delivery networks, and logistics.
- 配送料無料！— Free shipping!
- 配送業者を選んでください。— Please choose a shipping carrier.
- 配送状況を確認する。— Check the delivery status.
Quick Summary
| Step | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| You order. Shop packs and ships. | 発送 | 発送しました |
| Carrier picks up and transports. | 配送 | 配送中 |
| Carrier arrives at your door. | 配達 | 配達されました |
Common Mistakes for English Speakers
English uses “shipping” and “delivery” somewhat interchangeably, but Japanese distinguishes the sender’s act (発送), the final delivery action (配達), and the overall logistics system (配送). In everyday shopping, you’ll see all three used in different contexts in the same order confirmation email.
Quick Quiz
Which word means “free shipping” in Japanese advertising?
Answer: 配送料無料
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