Translation guide
A single sheet or fragment of paper. Japanese uses different counters and words depending on size, shape, and purpose.
The most common way to refer to one sheet of paper, like a piece of printer paper or notebook paper.
The standard way to say 'one piece of paper' using the counter 枚 (まい) for flat objects.
一枚の紙をください。
Please give me a piece of paper.
He wrote a note on a piece of paper.
Literally 'paper scrap', often used for a small or torn piece of paper, or casually for any piece of paper.
ポケットに紙切れが入っていた。
There was a piece of paper in my pocket.
Emphasizing that the paper is small, torn, or a leftover fragment.
A formal or written term for a small piece or fragment of paper.
机の上に小さな紙片があった。
There was a small piece of paper on the desk.
Common in spoken Japanese for a scrap or small piece of paper.
When the paper serves a function, like a memo, slip, or form.
A piece of memo paper or notepaper.
メモ用紙に買い物リストを書いた。
I wrote a shopping list on a piece of memo paper.
A slip or chit, like a receipt or order form, often a small piece of paper.
Referring to a document, certificate, or any official piece of paper.
General term for documents or paperwork. Often implies multiple sheets, but can refer to a single piece of paper in context.
この書類に記入してください。
Please fill out this form (piece of paper).
Explicitly one sheet of a document.
一枚の書類を提出する必要があります。
You need to submit one piece of paper (document).
The counter 枚 (まい) is used for flat objects like paper, tickets, and plates. For sheets of paper, say 一枚 (いちまい), 二枚 (にまい), etc. Without a counter, 紙 (かみ) just means 'paper' as a material.
Directly translating 'piece of paper' as 紙の一片 (かみのいっぺん) is unnatural. Use counters or specific words like 紙切れ or 一枚の紙.
紙切れに電話番号を書いた。
I wrote the phone number on a scrap of paper.
伝票にサインしてください。
Please sign the slip.