障子(しょうじ)

しょうじ
noun
paper sliding door
1. shoji, paper sliding door
A traditional Japanese sliding door or room divider made of a wooden frame covered with translucent paper.
障子(しょうじ)を開(あ)けて外(そと)を見(み)た。
I opened the shoji and looked outside.
障子(しょうじ)の紙(かみ)を張(は)り替(か)える。
I'm replacing the paper on the shoji.
障子(しょうじ)から柔(やわ)らかい光(ひかり)が入(はい)ってくる。
Soft light comes through the shoji.

CULTURAL NOTE:
障子(しょうじ) are traditional sliding doors covered with washi (Japanese paper). They allow soft, diffused light to enter while providing privacy. Found in traditional Japanese rooms (和室(わしつ)).

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 障子(しょうじ)を開(あ)ける/閉(し)める (to open/close the shoji)
  • 障子(しょうじ)の張(は)り替(か)え (replacing shoji paper)
  • 障子(しょうじ)紙(がみ) (shoji paper)

RELATED:

  • 襖(ふすま) - fusuma (opaque sliding door, often decorated)
  • 引(ひ)き戸(ど) - sliding door (general term)

DIFFERENCE:
障子(しょうじ) = translucent paper (lets light through)
襖(ふすま) = opaque (painted/decorated, blocks light)

[Register: Neutral]

general
Added 2026.1.13 22:58 · Revised 2026.1.19 21:17
04000/04201_shouji