Translation guide
A tree (Broussonetia papyrifera) whose bark is used to make paper and cloth. In Japanese, the tree itself is usually called カジノキ, while the paper made from it is 和紙 (washi) or more specifically 楮紙 (こうぞがみ).
Referring to the plant itself, in botanical or everyday contexts.
The standard Japanese name for the paper mulberry tree. Often written in katakana as カジノキ, but kanji 梶の木 or 構の木 are also used.
庭にカジノキを植えました。
I planted a paper mulberry tree in the garden.
Technically refers to the hybrid species Broussonetia × kazinoki, but often used interchangeably with カジノキ in the context of papermaking. More common in traditional crafts.
楮は和紙の原料です。
Kōzo is a raw material for Japanese paper.
Referring to the bark or fiber used to make washi.
The most common term for the paper mulberry fiber used in traditional Japanese papermaking (washi).
この和紙は楮100%です。
This washi is 100% kōzo.
Literally 'bark of the paper mulberry tree'. Used when you need to be explicit about the part of the plant.
カジノキの樹皮を煮て繊維を取り出します。
We boil the bark of the paper mulberry to extract the fibers.
Referring to the finished paper product.
General term for traditional Japanese paper, which is often made from kōzo. Not all washi is from paper mulberry, but it's the most common type.
和紙は丈夫で美しいです。
Washi is strong and beautiful.
Specifically paper made from kōzo (paper mulberry). Used in craft contexts.
If you're talking about the tree in a garden, use カジノキ. If you're talking about papermaking materials, use 楮 (こうぞ). For the paper itself, 和紙 is the safest general term.
This kōzo paper is very thin.