우편물 vs 편지
Korean word comparison
Listen to 우편물
Listen to 편지
| 우편물 | 편지 |
|---|---|
woo-PYEON-mul noun | pyeon-ji noun |
| Mail or postal items sent through the post. | A letter sent by mail, usually a personal written message. |
How they differ
편지 refers specifically to a written message, so it is much narrower than 우편물. 우편물 can include letters, parcels, printed notices, and other items delivered by post, while 편지 usually means a personal letter rather than any postal item.
When to use each
When to use 우편물: Use 우편물 when you mean any item sent or delivered through the postal system.
When to use 편지: Use 편지 when you mean a written letter, especially a personal one.
Side-by-side examples
- 우편물이 오늘 도착했어요.
(The mail arrived today.) - 친구에게 편지를 보냈어요.
(I sent a letter to my friend.)
Register & nuance: 편지 is a common everyday word and is more specific than the broader, more general 우편물.