Translation guide
The English word "sheet" covers several distinct physical objects and concepts. This guide organizes them by meaning, from the most common everyday uses (bedding, paper) to more specialized ones (sail, geological layer).
The cloth covering for a mattress or bedding.
The most common word for a bed sheet, typically a fitted or flat sheet used in Western-style bedding.
I washed the sheets.
I bought new sheets.
Literally 'spread cloth', a more traditional Japanese term for a sheet laid on a futon or mattress. Less common in daily conversation.
Lay down the sheet before putting on the futon.
A single piece of paper, often of a standard size.
The counter for flat objects like paper. Use with a number: 一枚 (いちまい) = one sheet.
Please give me one sheet of paper.
This document is three sheets in total.
Refers to a sheet of paper intended for a specific purpose, like a form or blank sheet.
A broad, thin piece of metal, glass, plastic, etc.
A large piece of fabric used to catch wind and propel a boat.
A broad, flat mass or layer, as in geology.
Describing something that covers an area thinly and evenly, like rain or fog.
Pattern meaning 'a sheet of ~' or 'a blanket of ~', used for things that cover a surface.
A sheet of fog hides everything.
When counting sheets of paper, use the counter 枚 (まい) instead of a direct translation of 'sheet'. Saying '一枚の紙' is natural, while 'シートの紙' is not.
Please fill out the application sheet.
Spread out a plastic sheet.
Set the sail.
The ice sheet is melting.