Translation guide
The English word 'folding' can refer to the action of bending something over on itself, or to something that is designed to be folded for storage. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for these meanings.
Expressing the act of bending something flat over on itself.
Transitive verb meaning to fold or bend something, typically used for paper, thin objects, or breaking by bending.
紙を半分に折ってください。
Please fold the paper in half.
彼は手紙を折って封筒に入れた。
He folded the letter and put it in an envelope.
Transitive verb specifically meaning to fold up something into a compact shape, like a map, chair, or clothes.
地図を折り畳んでポケットに入れた。
I folded up the map and put it in my pocket.
洗濯物をきちんと折り畳んでください。
Please fold the laundry neatly.
Transitive verb meaning to fold (clothes, fabric, paper) or to close up something like an umbrella or fan. Very common for laundry and everyday items.
シャツをたたんで引き出しにしまった。
I folded the shirt and put it away in the drawer.
傘をたたむのを手伝って。
Help me fold up the umbrella.
Intransitive verb meaning to be bent or folded at an angle, often used for something that gets creased or bent unintentionally.
ページの角が折れ曲がっている。
The corner of the page is folded over.
Describing an object that can be folded for storage or portability.
A common pattern meaning 'folding-type' or 'collapsible'. Attach to the noun.
折り畳み式の椅子を持ってきて。
Bring the folding chair.
折り畳み式のテーブルは便利だ。
A folding table is convenient.
A shorter noun-modifying form, often used in product names or casual speech.
折り畳み傘を買った。
I bought a folding umbrella.
折り畳みベッドが欲しい。
I want a folding bed.
Potential form of 折り畳む, used as an adjective meaning 'foldable' or 'can be folded'.
この机は折り畳めるので収納しやすい。
This desk is foldable, so it's easy to store.
Referring to the fold line or the state of being folded.
A noun meaning a crease or fold line, especially one made intentionally.
折り目に沿って切ってください。
Please cut along the fold.
ズボンの折り目がきれいだ。
The crease in the trousers is sharp.
A suffix or noun indicating a fold or the act of folding, often used in compounds like 二つ折り (folded in two).
折る (oru) is general 'to fold/bend', often for paper or breaking. 折り畳む (oritatamu) emphasizes folding something into a compact shape, like a map or chair. たたむ (tatamu) is most common for folding clothes, umbrellas, and everyday items. Use 折り畳む for things that become smaller for storage, and たたむ for laundry or closing up items.
折る (oru) implies a sharp bend or crease, and is not natural for folding clothes. Use たたむ (tatamu) instead.
服をたたむ
to fold clothes
Please submit the documents folded in half.