Translation guide
Describes various types of thin paper traditionally made or used in Japan, such as washi, shoji paper, and tissue paper.
Referring to thin, durable Japanese paper made from natural fibers, used for crafts, calligraphy, and art.
General term for traditional Japanese paper, often thin and strong. Used in origami, calligraphy, and crafts.
この和紙はとても薄くて丈夫です。
This washi is very thin and strong.
Specifically refers to very thin paper, often used for delicate crafts or restoration. Literally 'thin leaf paper'.
薄葉紙でランプシェードを作りました。
I made a lampshade out of thin washi.
An extremely thin, high-quality washi used for conservation and restoration. Very specialized term.
古文書の修復には典具帖紙が使われます。
Tengujo paper is used for restoring ancient documents.
Thin, translucent paper used for traditional Japanese sliding doors (shoji).
Paper specifically for shoji screens. It is thin enough to let light through but durable.
障子紙を張り替える必要があります。
I need to replace the shoji paper.
Washi is often used for shoji, but 'shoji paper' is more specific.
Thin, soft paper used for wrapping gifts or in crafts, similar to Western tissue paper.
Commonly used for thin wrapping paper or tissue paper in crafts. Can refer to both Japanese and Western-style thin paper.
プレゼントを薄葉紙で包みました。
I wrapped the present in tissue paper.
Thin paper used for Japanese calligraphy (shodo), often absorbent and smooth.
Standard calligraphy paper, typically thin and absorbent. Used in schools and practice.
半紙に漢字を書く練習をします。
I practice writing kanji on calligraphy paper.
Higher-quality thin paper for calligraphy and ink painting, often larger and more refined.
和紙 (washi) is traditional Japanese paper made from plant fibers like kozo, mitsumata, or gampi. It is often thin but strong. 洋紙 (youshi) is Western-style paper, usually made from wood pulp. If you want to emphasize the Japanese origin, use 和紙.
To describe paper as 'thin', use 薄い (usui). For example, 薄い紙 (usui kami) means 'thin paper'. You can combine it with specific paper types: 薄い和紙 (usui washi).
High-quality washi is used for this shoji.
Loanword for tissue paper, often used for facial tissues or thin wrapping paper. Less traditional feel.
ティッシュペーパーで花を作りました。
I made flowers out of tissue paper.
When you write on gasenshi, the ink spreads differently.