Words (Core Vocabulary)
- mail / letter mail / parcel / package
- sender / recipient; return address
- address line / unit # / street # / street name
- postal code (e.g., A1A 1A1) / city / province
- postage / stamp / meter (postage printed by machine)
- domestic / international
- tracking number / delivery status / out for delivery
- signature required / delivery notice card
- parcel locker / community mailbox / PO Box (P.O. Box)
- hold mail / redirect / forward mail
- pickup / ID (government-issued)
- customs declaration / contents / value / duties / taxes
- return label / RMA (return merchandise authorization)
- undeliverable / insufficient address
Phrases (At the counter, online, or by phone)
- I’d like to send this parcel domestically/internationally—what’s the best rate?
- Is there tracking and insurance on this service?
- Could you weigh the package and tell me the postage?
- What’s the expected delivery time for express vs. standard?
- Do I need a customs form for this destination?
- I received a delivery notice—where can I pick up my package?
- Can I hold my mail for two weeks while I’m away?
- My tracking hasn’t updated—is there a delay?
- Could you redirect my parcel to a parcel locker?
Contextual Examples (Natural, everyday)
- **Hi—**I’m mailing documents to Toronto. Do I need a stamp or meter, and how long will it take?
- I’ve got a delivery notice card. Can I pick up the package today with my driver’s license?
- **I’m moving next month—**how do I forward my mail to the new address?
- This is a return—the store sent me a prepaid label; can you scan it?
Collocations & Phrases (bold the key words)
Addressing & sending
- write the return address
- print the postal code
- attach postage/stamps
- fill out a customs form
- choose a service level (standard/express)
Tracking & delivery
- check the tracking number
- update the delivery status
- require a signature
- leave a delivery notice
- redirect a parcel
- hold mail
Pickups & returns
- bring ID for pickup
- scan a return label
- process a refund/return
- repack in original packaging
Canadian Cultural Context (How to sound natural & polite)
- Postal codes use a letter–number pattern (e.g., V5K 0A1). Writing them clearly speeds delivery.
- Many buildings use parcel lockers; the carrier leaves a key in your mailbox.
- For international items, realistic value and contents help avoid delays and surprise duties.
- Be prepared to show government ID at pickup (name must match the label).
Extra Mini-Patterns (plug-and-play)
- Counter ask: “Could you weigh this and recommend the cheapest tracked option?”
- Pickup: “I have a delivery notice—can I pick up with my photo ID?”
- Issue: “My tracking hasn’t updated since Monday—is there a delay or customs hold?”