Meaning
邮件 refers to mail or correspondence, both physical and electronic. In modern usage, it most commonly means 'email' in digital contexts, though it can also refer to traditional postal mail. The word combines the character for 'post/mail' with the character for 'item/piece'.
Usage
In everyday conversation, 邮件 is the standard formal term for email, though younger speakers might also say 'email' or 伊妹儿. When referring specifically to physical mail, speakers often clarify with 信件 (letters) or 包裹 (packages). Common in both spoken and written contexts, especially in business and formal settings.
Examples
- 01我刚才给你发了一封邮件，你看到了吗？, ?I just sent you an email, did you see it?
- 02他每天都要处理很多工作邮件。.He has to handle a lot of work emails every day.
Characters
Measure words
- 封一封邮件
- 件一件邮件
Common collocations
- 发邮件to send an email
- 收邮件to receive/check email
- 回复邮件to reply to an email
- 邮件地址email address
Origin
The character 邮 originally depicted a relay station for official correspondence in ancient China. 件 serves as both a component meaning 'item' and as a measure word for individual pieces.