送る
okuru[o̞kɯ̟ɾɯ̟]
In Japanese, the phrase 'send' is translated as 送る (okuru). Wiktionary also lists 送信する (sōshin suru).
Meaning: make something go somewhere (verb)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 送る | okuru | [o̞kɯ̟ɾɯ̟] (narrow) |
| 送信する | sōshin suru |
The verb 送る is a general term used to make something go somewhere, such as a physical object. It can also be used to mean 'to spend' or 'to pass' time, such as in the context of living a certain kind of life. To mark the thing being sent as the direct object, the particle を (o) is often used after it.
Which one should you use?
While 送る is used for both physical objects and general sending, 送信する is used specifically for transmitting electronic data or messages, such as emails.
How does it change in a sentence?
The polite form of 送る is 送ります, and the plain past tense form is 送った.
How do you pronounce it?
okuru
Did you know?
- The verb 送る is used when you walk someone to the station or drive them home to ensure they arrive safely. In this context, you are not sending them away, but escorting them.
- The term 送信する for sending digital data contains the character 信, which is the same character used in 'trust' or 'faith'.
- In a business context, if you are sending a gift to a superior, you would often avoid using 送る and instead use the more respectful verb お贈りする to show proper etiquette.
Examples in context
- それ誰に送るの？Who are you going to send that to?This sentence asks who the recipient of the object is using 送る.Tatoeba #3373647 by tommy_san, translation #4356234 by corbinjurgens
- 彼の写真、送るね。I'll send you his picture.This sentence is used to state that you will send someone's picture using 送る.Tatoeba #10171314 by small_snow, translation #5811570 by Hybrid
- トムの写真、送るね。I'll send you Tom's picture.This sentence is used to state that you will send Tom's picture using 送る.Tatoeba #10171357 by small_snow, translation #5811731 by CK
- 私は手紙を送ります。I will send a letter.
- 商品を発送します。I will send the merchandise.
- 手紙を送るよ。I'll send a letter, okay?
- このプレゼントを送りつけるよ！I'll send you this gift (whether you like it or not)!
- 彼にメールを送った。I sent him an email.
- 19 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta and Misaki are talking about sending a gift.
- 健太 Kenta美咲、プレゼントをどこに送る？Misaki, purezento o doko ni okuru?Misaki, where should I send the present?
- 美咲 Misaki私の住所に送って。watashi no juusho ni okutte.Send it to my address.
- 健太 Kentaわかった。今日送るね。wakatta. kyou okuru ne.Okay. I'll send it today.
- 美咲 Misakiありがとう、健太。arigatou, Kenta.Thank you, Kenta.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “send” translations and entries 送る, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
