1.
calligraphy paper; Japanese writing paper
A thin, absorbent paper used for Japanese calligraphy (書道). Standard size is approximately 24cm × 33cm. Named because it is roughly half the size of a full sheet of traditional Japanese paper.
半紙に筆で書く。
To write on calligraphy paper with a brush.
書道の授業で半紙を使う。
We use calligraphy paper in calligraphy class.
百均で半紙を買ってきたが、墨の乗りがあまり良くなかった。
I bought calligraphy paper at the hundred-yen store, but the ink didn't adhere very well.
USAGE:
Familiar to all Japanese people from 書道 (calligraphy) classes in school. The paper is designed to absorb ink from a 筆 (brush). Quality varies widely — practice paper is inexpensive, while high-quality 半紙 for exhibitions can be costly.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 半紙に書く (to write on calligraphy paper)
- 練習用半紙 (practice calligraphy paper)
- 半紙を広げる (to spread out calligraphy paper)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 和紙: Japanese paper — the broader category of traditional Japanese paper
- 画用紙: drawing paper — thicker paper for painting and drawing