書簡・書翰|しょかんshokan[0]heiban (flat)

1. nounletter; note; epistle; correspondence

• Synonym手紙てがみNeutralThe everyday neutral word for a letter (「手紙を書く」); 書簡 is a written-style term for formal, diplomatic or collected correspondence.
• Synonym書状しょじょうWrittenA written-style word for letters (「書状を送る」), formal and rather old-fashioned; 書簡 is the usual term in formal or diplomatic writing.
• SynonymレターNeutralA loanword for letters, used mostly in compounds like 「ラブレター」; unlike 書簡 it is neutral in tone and seldom stands alone.
• Synonym信書しんしょWrittenA written, legal term for documents addressed to a specific recipient, letters and notices included (「信書の秘密」); it names a legal category, which 書簡 does not.
• Synonym書信しょしんWrittenA written-style word for letters, now rare; 書簡 is the common formal choice.
• Related便りたよりNeutralA native word for news or word from someone (「便りがない」), with a warm, personal feel; 書簡 is the written-style, more formal word.
• Related書札しょさつWrittenAn archaic written word for letters, hardly used today; 書簡 is the living formal term.

Use 「書簡」 for formal, diplomatic letters or correspondence collected in print (「往復書簡」「公開書簡」). In everyday speech say 「手紙」; for warm personal news 「便り」; for the legal term for mail to a specific recipient 「信書」.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

1. 手紙てがみ。