1.
Western-style paper; machine-made paper
Paper manufactured using Western methods, as opposed to traditional Japanese washi. The standard paper used for printing, writing, and everyday purposes.
洋紙と和紙の違い。
The difference between Western paper and washi.
明治時代に洋紙の製造が始まった。
Western-style paper manufacturing began in the Meiji period.
現在の日本で使われている紙のほとんどは洋紙だ。
Most of the paper used in modern Japan is Western-style paper.
洋紙 is the technical term for Western-style machine-made paper, as opposed to traditional Japanese 和紙.
WORD FORMATION:
洋 (Western) + 紙 (paper)
USAGE:
In everyday conversation, people simply say 紙 since Western paper is the default. 洋紙 is mainly used when specifically contrasting with 和紙, or in technical and industrial contexts.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 和紙: Japanese paper — traditional handmade paper from plant fibers like 楮
- 紙: paper — the general everyday word
- 用紙: a form or sheet of paper (different kanji, same reading)
NOTE:
Do not confuse with the homophone 用紙 (paper/form for a specific purpose), which is far more common in daily life.