What does it mean word for word?
The verb 发 (fā) literally means 'to send' or 'to issue' in the context of transmitting something.
Which one should you use?
While 发邮件 is the standard shorthand, 发送电子邮件 (fā sòng diàn zǐ yóu jiàn) is the most common and standard term for 'send electronic mail'. A slightly more formal version is 寄送电子邮件 (jì sòng diàn zǐ yóu jiàn), which translates to 'send out electronic mail'. For a more relaxed and friendly tone, you can use 发个邮件 (fā gè yóu jiàn), which translates to 'send an email'.
How does it change in a sentence?
To specify that a single email was sent, you can use the measure word 封 (fēng) after the verb, as in 发了一封邮件 (sent an email).
How do you pronounce it?
fa youjian
When do people say it?
When writing a formal email, use 尊敬的 (zūn jìng de) to mean 'Dear', followed by the recipient's title and surname and use the polite form of 'you', which is 您 (nín). For an informal email, you can use 你好 (nǐ hǎo) to mean 'Hello' or 'Hi'.
Did you know?
- In highly formal business emails, it is common to use 此致敬礼 (cǐ zhì jìng lǐ) as a closing, which is a traditional formula meaning 'with this, I pay my respects'.
- The character 邮 (yóu) in the word for email is a linguistic link to the ancient imperial courier relay stations used in historical China.
- The verb used to 'send' an email, 发 (fā), is also the same character used when someone 'blows up' or 'expresses' an emotion, such as in the phrase 发火 (fā huǒ) for 'to get angry'.
Examples in context
- 你能发邮件给我吗？Can you send me an email?
- 别忘了给我发邮件。bié wàng le gěi wǒ fā yóu jiàn.Don't forget to send me an email.
- 我正在给他发邮件。wǒ zhèng zài gěi tā fā yóu jiàn.I am sending him an email right now.
- 你可以发邮件给我吗？nǐ kě yǐ fā yóu jiàn gěi wǒ ma?Can you send an email to me?
Example conversation
Two colleagues are discussing a project at the office.
- 雨婷 Yuting志强，报告写好了吗？Zhìqiáng, bàogào xiě hǎo le ma?Zhiqiang, is the report finished?
- 志强 Zhiqiang写好了，我现在发邮件给你。Xiě hǎo le, wǒ xiànzài fā yóujiàn gěi nǐ.It is finished, I'll send the email to you now.
- 雨婷 Yuting太好了，谢谢你。Tài hǎo le, xièxie nǐ.Great, thank you.
- 志强 Zhiqiang不客气，请查收。Bú kèqì, qǐng cháshōu.You're welcome, please check your inbox.
