和紙(わし)

わし
noun
Japanese paper
1. Japanese paper
Traditional handmade paper from Japan.
和紙(わし)で折(お)り紙(がみ)を作(つく)る。
To make origami with Japanese paper.
和紙(わし)は丈夫(じょうぶ)だ。
Japanese paper is durable.
この障子(しょうじ)には和紙(わし)が使(つか)われている。
Japanese paper is used in these shoji screens.

和紙(わし) is traditional Japanese handmade paper, prized for its beauty, durability, and versatility. Made from plant fibers such as 楮(こうぞ) (mulberry), 三椏(みつまた) (mitsumata), and 雁皮(がんぴ) (gampi).

CHARACTERISTICS:

  • Stronger and more durable than machine-made paper
  • Translucent, with natural texture
  • UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage (since 2014)

COMMON USES:

  • 障子(しょうじ): sliding paper screens
  • 書道(しょどう): calligraphy
  • 折(お)り紙(がみ): origami
  • 提灯(ちょうちん): paper lanterns

CONTRAST:

  • 和紙(わし): Japanese paper (和(わ) = Japanese)
  • 洋紙(ようし): Western-style paper (洋(よう) = Western)
general
Added 2026.1.9 21:37 · Revised 2026.3.27 12:01
02000/02268_washi