ペンパル
penparu
In Japanese, the English phrase 'pen pal' can be expressed as ペンパル (penparu). If unsure, use ペンパル. Wiktionary also lists 文通仲間 (buntsū nakama).
Meaning: friend with whom one communicates using letters (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| ペンパル | penparu |
| 文通仲間 | buntsū nakama |
The term refers to a friend with whom one communicates using letters.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 文通仲間 is composed of 文通 (letter exchange) and 仲間 (companion/partner/associate).
Which one should you use?
While ペンパル is a direct loanword from English, 文通仲間 is a more traditional Japanese way to describe a pen pal.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ペンパル is a loanword commonly used in modern contexts, often appearing in hobbyist or international exchange settings. For a formal way to say pen pal, use 文通相手. Informal options include ペンフレンド and 手紙仲間.
How do you pronounce it?
penparu
Did you know?
- Japanese stationery culture is so developed that 文通相手 often exchange specifically designed 'letter sets' with matching envelopes and paper.
- The word 文通 (buntsu) comes from the characters for 'sentence' and 'pass through', suggesting the idea of a sentence passing from one person to another.
- In Japanese pop culture, particularly in anime, the term 文通 is often used to build romantic tension through the mystery of the sender's identity.
Examples in context
- ペンフレンドになりたいですか？Would you like to be pen pals?
- アメリカにペンパルがいます。Amerika ni penparu ga imasu.I have a pen pal in America.
- 彼は昔からのペンパルです。Kare wa mukashi kara no penparu desu.He is an old pen pal of mine.
- 新しいペンパルを探しています。Atarashii penparu o sagashite imasu.I am looking for a new pen pal.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their hobbies.
- 大翔 Hiroto美咲さんは何か趣味がありますか。Misaki-san wa nanika shumi ga arimasu ka.Misaki, do you have any hobbies?
- 美咲 Misakiはい、海外にペンパルがいます。Hai, kaigai ni penparu ga imasu.Yes, I have a pen pal overseas.
- 大翔 Hirotoすごいですね！どこの国の人ですか。Sugoi desu ne! Doko no kuni no hito desu ka.That's amazing! Which country are they from?
- 美咲 Misakiフランスの人です。Furansu no hito desu.They are from France.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pen pal” translations and entries ペンパル, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ペンパル, CC BY-SA 4.0.
