送る vs 発送する
Japanese word comparison
Listen to 送る
Listen to 発送する
| 送る | 発送する |
|---|---|
o-KU-ru verb (godan, transitive) | はっそうする verb (godan, transitive) |
| to send (something or someone); to dispatch; to escort (someone to a place) | to ship; to dispatch goods or parcels (usually via carrier or logistics) |
How they differ
発送する is a more specific, business-oriented term for shipping parcels or goods via a carrier; 送る is broader and can apply to people, messages, favors, or casual sending. 発送する is not used for escorting people or for informal sending of non-physical things.
When to use each
When to use 送る: Prefer 送る for everyday, general uses (sending messages, giving someone a ride, casual sending of items).
When to use 発送する: Prefer 発送する when describing commercial or formal shipping/dispatch of goods (e.g., online orders, logistics).
Side-by-side examples
- 注文した本を明日送ります。
(I'll send the book I ordered tomorrow.) - ご注文の商品は本日発送しました。
(We shipped the product you ordered today.)
Register & nuance: 発送する is more formal and used in business/logistics contexts; 送る is neutral and everyday.