Translation and Meaning of: 紙 - kami
On this page, we will study the meaning of the Japanese word 紙 (kami) and its translation into English. Let's see their different meanings, example phrases, explanations, etymology and the similar words.
Romaji: kami
Kana: かみ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n5
Translation / Meaning: paper
Meaning in English: paper
Definition: Paper is a thin, flat material made from plant fibers. It is used for writing letters and pictures, as well as for packaging and printing.
Sumário
- Etymology
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Phrases
Explanation and Etymology - (紙) kami
The Japanese word 「紙」 (kami) refers to paper and has a rich and interesting etymology. The term is derived from the kanji character 「紙」, which combines the thread radical 「糸」 (ito), symbolizing fabrics or threads, and the style radical 「氏」 (ushin), which has no specific meaning in this context but is often used in various kanjis. This combination reflects the origin of paper, which was originally made from plant fibers or other materials similar to intertwined threads, thus creating a writing surface.
The invention of paper dates back to ancient China, around 105 A.D., when Cai Lun perfected the production process. Paper spread throughout Asia, reaching Japan in the 7th century. In Japan, it played a significant role in the development of local culture, being used in origami, writing, painting, and architecture. This ability to adapt and create is deeply woven into Japanese cultural practice, making paper 「紙」 an essential element not only in everyday life but also in artistic expressions.
In Japan, paper has significant symbolism and cultural value, and its production is considered a traditional art known as washi. Handmade washi paper is extremely durable and versatile, being used in various applications, including wallpaper, lanterns, clothing, and even as a base for artworks. This type of paper is appreciated for its distinct texture and strength, reflecting the importance and continuous evolution of the word 「紙」 in Japanese culture.
In addition to its practical utility, the expression "kami" also appears in other contexts in the Japanese language, for example, in compound words like 「手紙」(tegami), which means letter, or 「紙幣」(shihei), which refers to banknotes. These compositions highlight the versatility of the word and connect it with moments and activities of everyday life, solidifying its place as an integral part of communication and commerce.
Through the centuries, in addition to undergoing evolutions in its modes of production and use, 「紙」 continues to be a vital expression in the Japanese language and life. Whether in the form of a half sheet of letter paper or as an intricate art of origami, the paper 「紙」 retains its cultural relevance and functionality, standing out as an eloquent example of how a simple material can have a profound and lasting impact.
Synonyms and similar words
- 和紙 (washi) - Traditional Japanese papers.
- 紙製品 (kamiseihin) - Paper products.
- 紙製 (kamisei) - Made of paper.
- 紙類 (kamirui) - Types of paper.
- 紙製造 (kamiseizō) - Paper production.
- 紙製品製造 (kamiseihin seizō) - Manufacturing of paper products.
- 紙製造業 (kamiseizōgyō) - Paper manufacturing industry.
- 紙製品業 (kamiseihin-gyō) - Paper product manufacturing industry.
- 紙製造会社 (kamiseizōgaisha) - Paper manufacturing company.
- 紙製品メーカー (kamiseihin mēkā) - Manufacturer of paper products.
- 紙製品販売店 (kamiseihin hanbai-ten) - Store selling paper products.
- 紙製品卸売業 (kamiseihin oroshiuri-gyō) - Wholesale paper products industry.
- 紙製品輸入業 (kamiseihin yunyūgyō) - Paper product import industry.
- 紙製品輸出業 (kamiseihin yushutsugyō) - Paper product export industry.
Words related
Words with the same pronunciation: かみ kami
How to Write in Japanese - (紙) kami
See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese (紙) kami:
Example Sentences - (紙) kami
Below are some example sentences:
Hagane o tsukatte kami o kirimasu
I cut the paper with scissors.
Cut the paper using scissors.
- 鋏 (hasami) - scissors
- を (wo) - particle that indicates the direct object of the action
- 使って (tsukatte) - using
- 紙 (kami) - paper
- を (wo) - particle that indicates the direct object of the action
- 切ります (kirimasu) - cut
Yuubinkyoku ni itte tegami wo dashimashita
I went to the mail and sent a letter.
I went to the mail and gave a letter.
- 郵便局 - Post office
- に - Particle indicating location
- 行って - Past tense form of the verb "ir"
- 手紙 - Carta
- を - Particle that indicates the direct object
- 出しました - Past tense form of the verb "enviar
Watashi wa mannenhitsu de tegami o kaku no ga suki desu
I like to write a letter with a fountain pen.
I like to write a letter with a fountain pen.
- 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun meaning "I"
- は (wa) - particle that marks the topic of the sentence
- 万年筆 (mannenhitsu) - noun meaning "fountain pen"
- で (de) - particle that indicates the means or tool used
- 手紙 (tegami) - noun meaning "letter"
- を (wo) - particle that marks the direct object of the sentence
- 書く (kaku) - verb meaning "to write"
- の (no) - particle indicating the nominalization of the verb
- が (ga) - particle that marks the subject of the sentence
- 好き (suki) - adjective meaning "to like"
- です (desu) - linking verb that indicates formality and the present tense
Yōshi o totte kudasai
Please take a sheet of paper.
Please take the paper.
- 用紙 - paper
- を - object particle
- 取って - take
- ください - please give me
Chirigami wa moeyasui desu
Chirigami is highly flammable.
Dust paper is easy to burn.
- 塵紙 (jinkami) - wastepaper
- は (wa) - topic particle
- 燃えやすい (moe yasui) - easy to burn
- です (desu) - verb "to be" in polite form
Kono kami wo saki te kudasai
Please tear this paper.
Please tear this article.
- この - demonstrative pronoun meaning "this"
- 紙 - noun that means "paper"
- を - particle that marks the direct object of the sentence
- 裂いて - The word "rasgar" means "to tear" in English.
- ください - verb meaning "please" or "do"
Kono hon no hyōshi wa utsukushii desu
The cover of this book is beautiful.
The cover of this book is beautiful.
- この - demonstrative pronoun meaning "this" or "this one"
- 本 - noun meaning "book"
- の - particle that indicates ownership, in this case, "of the book"
- 表紙 - noun meaning "cover (of a book)"
- は - particle indicating the topic of the sentence, in this case "the cover"
- 美しい - adjective meaning "beautiful" or "beautiful"
- です - linking verb that indicates the state or quality of the subject, in this case, "is"
Eamēru de tegami o okurimasu
I will send a letter by air mail.
Submit a letter by aerial email.
- エアメール - means "air letter" in Japanese, a type of postal service that sends letters by air.
- で - a Japanese particle that indicates the means or method used to carry out an action. In this case, it indicates that the letter will be sent by airmail.
- 手紙 - means "letter" in Japanese.
- を - a Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence. In this case, it indicates that the letter is the direct object of the action of sending.
- 送ります - a Japanese verb meaning "to send".
Kono fuutou ni wa taisetsu na tegami ga haitteimasu
This envelope contains an important letter.
- この - This
- 封筒 - envelope
- に - in
- は - é
- 大切な - important
- 手紙 - Letter
- が - (subject particle)
- 入っています - it's inside
Kono kami wa sakeru
This paper rips.
This article is divided.
- この - demonstrative pronoun meaning "this" or "this one"
- 紙 - noun that means "paper"
- は - topic particle indicating that the noun "papel" is the theme of the sentence
- 裂ける - Verb that means "tear" or "rip"
Other words of the same type: noun
See other words from our dictionary that are also: noun
