白紙(はくし)

はくし
noun
blank paper; clean slate
1. blank paper; blank sheet
Paper with nothing written on it. A plain, unmarked sheet.
白紙(はくし)のノートを買(か)った。
I bought a blank notebook.
答案(とうあん)用紙(ようし)を白紙(はくし)で出(だ)した。
I submitted the answer sheet blank.
試験(しけん)で白紙(はくし)のまま提出(ていしゅつ)する学生(がくせい)はめったにいない。
Students who submit exams completely blank are rare.
2. clean slate; starting over from scratch
Used figuratively to mean returning something to its original state with no prior commitments or decisions, as if nothing had been written. Often used for canceling plans or agreements.
計画(けいかく)を白紙(はくし)に戻(もど)す。
To return the plan to a blank slate.
契約(けいやく)は白紙(はくし)撤回(てっかい)された。
The contract was withdrawn and voided.
住民(じゅうみん)の反対(はんたい)により、開発(かいはつ)計画(けいかく)は白紙(はくし)に戻(もど)されることになった。
Due to opposition from residents, the development plan was scrapped and sent back to square one.

USAGE:
The literal meaning (blank paper) is straightforward. The figurative meaning (clean slate) is very common in news and business contexts.

KEY EXPRESSIONS:

  • 白紙(はくし)に戻(もど)す: to return to a blank slate, to scrap and start over
  • 白紙(はくし)撤回(てっかい): to withdraw completely, to void
  • 白紙(はくし)委任(いにん): blank check, carte blanche

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 白紙(はくし)の状態(じょうたい): blank state, clean slate
  • 白紙(はくし)に戻(もど)す: to cancel/scrap completely
  • 白紙(はくし)で提出(ていしゅつ)する: to submit blank
  • 白紙(はくし)答案(とうあん): blank answer sheet
general
Added 2026.2.26 19:36
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