jau4 gaan2郵簡邮简

Jyutpingjau4 gaan2

Yaleyàuh gáan

名詞

Definition

Lettergram; an aerogramme or pre-stamped letter sheet that is written on, folded, sealed, and mailed.

neutralcommunicationother

How it's used

Lettergrams were once a staple of communication in Hong Kong, particularly for sending messages overseas at a lower cost than standard envelopes. They are essentially a hybrid of a letter and an envelope, requiring the sender to write on the inside and fold the edges to seal it. While digital messaging has made them rare, they remain a nostalgic item for many locals.

Measure word

zoeng1張jēung

Examples

nei5你zung6仲jau5有mou5冇jung6用jau4郵gaan2簡gei3寄seon3信aa4呀？

Do you still use lettergrams to send mail?

le1呢zoeng1張jau4郵gaan2簡ji5已ging1經tip1貼zo2咗jau4郵piu3票㗎gaa2喇。

This lettergram already has a stamp on it.

Common phrases

hong4航hung1空jau4郵gaan2簡

airmail lettergram

Common mistake

Learners often confuse this with a standard envelope, but remember that the paper itself serves as the mailing container. You do not need to put a letter inside a separate envelope when using one.