Reading a Japanese Missed-Delivery Slip: Four Fields That Matter
Learn to scan a Japanese missed-delivery slip for the tracking number, the failed-attempt time, the driver's contact box, and the redelivery request options, with polite phrases for the door or phone.
By TheaFirst conversations · Yapr Learn
A small paper slip in your mailbox usually means one thing: a parcel came while you were out. In Japan this slip is called a 不在票 (fuzai-hyō), and it is designed to be read quickly. You do not need to understand every printed word. You need four fields: the tracking number, the date and time of the failed attempt, the driver's contact box, and the re-delivery request options. This lesson teaches you to find those fields and to speak politely when you ask for another delivery attempt, either at the door or by phone. The register is polite-neutral, the level a tenant would naturally use with a delivery driver or a call-center staff member.
By the end, you can…
- locate the tracking number, failed-attempt time, driver contact box, and redelivery options on a Japanese missed-delivery slip.
- ask これは何ですか about an unfamiliar field on the slip.
- request another delivery attempt politely with 再配達をお願いしたいのですが.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
不在票
missed-delivery slip
fu-zai-hyō
The slip left in your mailbox or door when a delivery attempt fails. It is the document you are reading.
お問い合わせ番号
tracking number; inquiry number
o-toi-a-wa-se-bangō
The long number used to look up or discuss the parcel. On the slip it is often printed near the top or beside a barcode.
再配達
redelivery; another delivery attempt
sai-hai-tatsu
The action of having the parcel brought again. This word usually appears in the request section of the slip.
荷物
parcel; package; luggage
ni-motsu
The physical item being delivered. Use it when you refer to your package in conversation.
再配達をお願いしたいのですが。
I would like to request redelivery, please.
sai-hai-tatsu o o-ne-gai shi-tai no desu ga
A polite, slightly softened request. Suitable at the door or on the phone. The final が makes it sound considerate rather than blunt.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
To ask about an unfamiliar field on the slip, point to it and say これは何ですか (kore wa nan desu ka), meaning 'What is this?' If you want to be more specific, name the item: この番号は何ですか (kono bangō wa nan desu ka), 'What is this number?' For the tracking number you can ask お問い合わせ番号ですか (o-toi-a-wa-se-bangō desu ka), 'Is this the tracking number?' These questions are short, polite, and easy to use while holding the slip. They do not require you to know technical delivery vocabulary in advance.
When to use it
Use これは何ですか when a field is genuinely unclear, for example a small box with a code or a checkbox you cannot read. Use 再配達をお願いしたいのですが when you have decided you want the parcel brought again. At the door, you might say it to the driver who returns; on the phone, you say it after the staff member greets you. If you are not sure whether the slip is yours, ask これは私の荷物ですか (kore wa watashi no nimotsu desu ka), 'Is this my parcel?' Keep your tone calm and polite; there is no need for humble or honorific forms at this level.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
すみません、これは何ですか。
Excuse me, what is this?su-mi-ma-sen, ko-re wa nan desu kaそれはお問い合わせ番号です。
That is the tracking number.so-re wa o-toi-a-wa-se-bangō desu再配達をお願いしたいのですが。
I would like to request redelivery, please.sai-hai-tatsu o o-ne-gai shi-tai no desu gaかしこまりました。ご希望の日時を教えてください。
Certainly. Please tell me your preferred date and time.ka-shi-ko-ma-ri-ma-shi-ta. go-ki-bō no ni-chi-ji o o-shi-e-te ku-da-saiA little context goes a long way
A 不在票 is a routine notice, not a penalty. Delivery staff expect tenants to read it and respond, and speaking politely but simply is completely normal. If you live in an apartment building, the slip may be left in your mailbox or slipped under your door, and the driver's contact box is there so you can arrange a new attempt. You do not need to apologize for being out; a short polite request is enough.
One thing to watch for
Saying 再配達します (sai-hai-tatsu shi-masu), which means 'I will redeliver,' as if you were the driver.
Try this instead: You are the recipient, so request the action from the other side: 再配達をお願いしたいのですが (sai-hai-tatsu o o-ne-gai shi-tai no desu ga), 'I would like to request redelivery.' If you want to be even more direct but still polite, 再配達をお願いします (sai-hai-tatsu o o-ne-gai shi-masu) also works.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1You see a long number near a barcode on the slip. What is it likely called, and how do you ask if it is the tracking number?
Show a sample answer
お問い合わせ番号です。お問い合わせ番号ですか。
The long number is the tracking number, お問い合わせ番号. Asking お問い合わせ番号ですか confirms it politely. Pointing and asking これは何ですか is also acceptable if you are unsure.
2You want the parcel brought again. What polite phrase do you use at the door or on the phone?
Show a sample answer
再配達をお願いしたいのですが。
This phrase requests redelivery politely and softly. 再配達をお願いします is a valid, slightly more straightforward alternative.
3You cannot read a small checkbox field on the slip. What question can you ask a staff member or driver?
Show a sample answer
これは何ですか。
これは何ですか asks 'What is this?' while pointing at the field. If you want to name the item, この欄は何ですか (kono ran wa nan desu ka) is also possible, though 欄 may be less familiar to beginners.
Scan the slip for four things: the tracking number, the failed-attempt time, the driver's contact box, and the redelivery options. Then say 再配達をお願いしたいのですが to ask for another attempt.
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