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.
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)