Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 送り状 | okurijō | [o̞kɯ̟ɾʲiʑo̞ː] (narrow) |
| インボイス | inboisu | [ĩmbo̞isɨ̥] (narrow) |
The term for invoice in Japanese depends heavily on whether you are referring to shipping documentation or tax-related business documents. Use 送り状 when referring to a shipping invoice or a waybill used for tracking or identifying a package during transit. Use インボイス specifically when discussing the Japanese consumption tax system, often referred to as the 'Invoice System' or when discussing business-to-business tax documentation.
Which one should you use?
There is a functional difference between the two main forms. 送り状 is most commonly used to refer to a shipping invoice or a waybill that accompanies goods. In contrast, インボイス is the katakana loanword used specifically in the context of the Japanese consumption tax system (the 'Invoice System'). Additionally, if you need to specify an itemized invoice, you can use 請求明細書 and if you are referring to the specific details or breakdown of an invoice, use 請求明細.
How do you pronounce it?
okurijō
Did you know?
- The term インボイス recently became a major social topic in Japan due to the 'Qualified Invoice System' introduced in 2023, which changed how millions of freelancers and small businesses handle taxes.
- In traditional Japanese business, a shipping invoice 送り状 often serves as a formal greeting or cover letter, not just a list of contents.
- In the era before digital tracking, the 送り状 was physically attached to the outside of a wooden crate or box to guide carriers through the postal system.
Examples in context
- 私たちは、請求書を提出する必要があります。We need to submit an invoice.
- お支払いは請求明細書に基づいてお願いいたします。Please make the payment based on the invoice.
- 昨日、請求がきたよ。I got the invoice yesterday.
Example conversation
Ren and Yui are discussing a business shipment at the office.
- 蓮 Ren結衣さん、送り状はもう準備できましたか？Yui-san, okurijō wa mō junbi dekimashita ka?Yui, is the invoice ready yet?
- 結衣 Yuiはい、蓮さん。今プリントしています。Hai, Ren-san. Ima purinto shite imasu.Yes, Ren. I am printing it now.
- 蓮 Renありがとう。荷物と一緒に送ってください。Arigatō. Nimotsu to issho ni okutte kudasai.Thanks. Please send it together with the package.
- 結衣 Yuiわかりました。すぐに手配します。Wakarimashita. Sugu ni tehai shimasu.Understood. I will arrange it immediately.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “invoice” translations and entries 送り状, インボイス, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
