what does c/o mean?

TLDR: The abbreviation "c/o" stands for "care of" and is used in mailing addresses to indicate that mail is being sent to a person via another individual or entity. It is essential for ensuring accurate delivery, especially when the recipient is temporarily at a different address.

The term "c/o" is an abbreviation for "care of," indicating that mail is directed to a specific person but sent to an address where that person does not permanently reside. This notation is particularly useful in scenarios such as when someone is temporarily staying with another person, receiving mail at their workplace, or when the sender is unsure of the recipient's exact address. For example, if John Doe is staying with Jane Smith, the address would read "John Doe, c/o Jane Smith, [Address]."

Using "c/o" correctly is crucial to ensure that mail reaches the intended recipient without delays or confusion. Misuse can lead to mail being returned or delivered incorrectly. Therefore, it is important to provide accurate details of both the recipient and the person or entity responsible for forwarding the mail. Understanding the correct usage of "c/o" helps manage mail delivery effectively in various contexts.