紙

• Reading: かみ
• Romaji: kami
• Kanji breakdown: 紙 (kami/shi) — paper (糸 radical relates to fibres/threads)
• Pronunciation: /ka.mi/

Meaning

Paper. A thin material used for writing, printing, and wrapping.

Japan has a rich paper culture, including traditional washi (和紙) paper used for calligraphy, origami, and sliding doors (障子). The word appears in many compounds: 手紙 (tegami, letter), 紙袋 (kamibukuro, paper bag), and 折り紙 (origami, paper folding).

Examples

1. 紙に絵を描きました。 I drew a picture on paper.
2. 白い紙をください。 Please give me a white piece of paper.
3. この紙はとても薄いです。 This paper is very thin.

Usage Guide

Context: school, office, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Old Japanese. The kanji 紙 contains the thread/silk radical 糸, reflecting that early paper was made from plant fibres similar to textile production.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal