宛先（あてさき、atesaki）
- destination address

The Japanese word 宛先 (あてさき, *atesaki*) primarily means "address," "destination," or "recipient." It refers to the place, person, or organization to which something is directed, such as a letter, email, package, or any form of communication or delivery. It signifies where something is intended to go or who it is intended for. This can include the physical address (street, city, etc.), the recipient's name, or a combination of both. 宛先is a crucial element in ensuring proper delivery or communication.

⚫︎手紙の宛先を書いてください。 Translation: Please write the address on the letter. ⚫︎メールの宛先に誤りがあります。 Translation: There is an error in the email recipient. ⚫︎荷物の宛先は変更できますか？ Translation: Can I change the address of the package?

You use 宛先 in various contexts related to sending or receiving something. It's essential when: ⚫︎Addressing letters, postcards, or packages. ⚫︎Entering recipients' information in email programs. ⚫︎Referring to the destination of a shipment or delivery. ⚫︎Discussing where information or communication should be directed. When speaking, you can use 宛先 in questions ("What is the address?") or statements ("The address is...") or to explain the correct recipient.

宛先 is typically written in kanji and hiragana: 宛先. The kanji 宛 (あて, *ate*) means "address to," "apply to," or "direct to," and 先 (さき, *saki*) means "place," "destination," or "ahead." There are no other common ways to write this word. There are no variations in the okurigana.

⚫︎送り先 (おくりさき, *okurisaki*) - "Delivery address," "shipping address." ⚫︎届け先 (とどけさき, *todokesaki*) - "Delivery address," "recipient." ⚫︎受取人 (うけとりにん, *uketoriniin*) - "Recipient" (person).

There aren't direct antonyms for 宛先. The concept of "opposite" doesn't directly apply. However, you could consider terms related to the origin or sender: ⚫︎差出人 (さしだしにん, *sashidashinin*) - "Sender," "From."

この手紙の宛先は、山田太郎様です。 ・Translation: The recipient of this letter is Mr. Taro Yamada. ・Explanation: This sentence clearly indicates who the letter is addressed to.

メールの宛先が間違っていたので、送信できませんでした。 ・Translation: The email could not be sent because the recipient was incorrect. ・Explanation: This shows how 宛先 relates to sending digital communication.

The word 宛先 is formed by combining the kanji 宛, which implies "to direct or address," with 先, which means "place" or "destination." The combination literally means "destination" or "place to which something is addressed." This etymology accurately reflects the word's meaning.