Understanding "邮件" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 邮件
• Pinyin: yóujiàn
• Literal Meaning: "Post item" or "mail item" (邮 yóu = mail/post; 件 jiàn = item/object)
• Primary Meaning: Refers to "mail" or "email" in modern usage, encompassing both physical and digital correspondence.

2. In-depth Explanation

Context and Usage

• General Use: 邮件 is a versatile term used for both physical mail (letters, packages) and electronic mail (emails). The context usually clarifies which type is meant.
• Nuances:
• In daily conversation, 邮件 often defaults to "email" unless specified otherwise (e.g., 寄邮件 jì yóujiàn = "send physical mail").
• For clarity, Chinese may specify 电子邮件 (diànzǐ yóujiàn, "electronic mail") or 纸质邮件 (zhǐzhì yóujiàn, "paper mail").

Character Breakdown

• 邮 (yóu): Means "mail" or "post," derived from the concept of postal services.
• 件 (jiàn): Means "item" or "object," indicating a countable unit of mail.

3. Example Sentences

1. Chinese: 我每天都会检查我的邮件。
   Pinyin: Wǒ měi tiān dōu huì jiǎnchá wǒ de yóujiàn.
   English: I check my mail/email every day.

2. Chinese: 请把这份文件通过邮件发给我。
   Pinyin: Qǐng bǎ zhè fèn wénjiàn tōngguò yóujiàn fā gěi wǒ.
   English: Please send this document to me via email.

3. Chinese: 他收到了一个从中国寄来的邮件。
   Pinyin: Tā shōu dào le yīgè cóng Zhōngguó jì lái de yóujiàn.
   English: He received a piece of mail sent from China.

Cultural Notes

• In China, digital communication dominates, so 邮件 is often assumed to mean "email" unless context suggests otherwise.
• Traditional postal services (中国邮政 Zhōngguó Yóuzhèng) are still widely used for official documents and packages, but younger generations prefer email or messaging apps like WeChat.

Conclusion

邮件 (yóujiàn) is a practical word covering both physical and electronic mail. Remember:
- 邮 = mail/post, 件 = item.
- Defaults to "email" in casual speech but can mean either depending on context.
- Use 电子邮件 for clarity when referring specifically to email.

Now you’re ready to send and receive 邮件 like a native!