Translation guide
Papier-mâché is a crafting material made from paper pieces or pulp mixed with glue. In Japanese, it is commonly referred to by the loanword パピエマシェ or described as 張り子 (hariko), a traditional technique. This guide covers how to talk about the material, the craft, and related objects.
Referring to papier-mâché as a material or the activity of making things with it.
The direct loanword from French, commonly used in modern contexts, especially in art and craft settings.
パピエマシェでお面を作った。
I made a mask out of papier-mâché.
Traditional Japanese papier-mâché technique, often used for folk crafts like dolls and masks. Can refer to both the method and the finished object.
張り子の犬の人形を買いました。
I bought a papier-mâché dog figurine.
Paper clay, a similar material made from paper pulp and glue, often used as a substitute for traditional papier-mâché in crafts. Note: this is a ready-made clay, not layered strips.
紙粘土でフィギュアを作るのが好きです。
I like making figures with paper clay.
Talking about a specific item made using papier-mâché, like a mask, doll, or decoration.
Use 張り子の before a noun to describe something made with the traditional hariko method.
張り子の虎は縁起物です。
Papier-mâché tigers are good-luck charms.
Use the loanword attributively for a more modern or Western-style craft.
パピエマシェの仮面をかぶった。
I wore a papier-mâché mask.
パピエマシェ is a direct loanword and feels modern or Western. 張り子 refers specifically to the traditional Japanese craft, often associated with folk toys and talismans. Use 張り子 when talking about Japanese cultural items.
この張り子の犬は職人が作りました。
This papier-mâché dog was made by a craftsman.