1.
newspaper (as physical material); newsprint
Newspaper treated as a physical material — the paper itself, especially when reused for wrapping, cleaning, crafts, or recycling. Distinct from 新聞, which refers to the newspaper as a publication.
新聞紙で窓を拭く。
To wipe the windows with newspaper.
引っ越しの時、食器を新聞紙で包んだ。
When moving, I wrapped the dishes in newspaper.
子供たちは新聞紙を使って工作の授業で帽子を作った。
The children used newspaper to make hats in their arts and crafts class.
Composed of 新聞 (newspaper) + 紙 (paper). While 新聞 refers to the newspaper as a publication to read, 新聞紙 emphasizes the physical paper material. This distinction is important in everyday Japanese.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 新聞紙で包む: to wrap in newspaper
- 新聞紙を敷く: to spread newspaper (as a mat)
- 新聞紙で拭く: to wipe with newspaper
- 古新聞紙: old newspapers (for recycling/reuse)
PRACTICAL USES IN JAPAN:
Newspaper is widely reused for practical purposes: cleaning windows and mirrors (a popular household tip), wrapping fragile items during moves, absorbing moisture in shoes, lining pet cages, and protecting surfaces during painting.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 新聞: newspaper — the publication itself, what you read
- 古紙: waste paper — broader term for paper to be recycled
- チラシ: flyer, advertising insert — the leaflets inserted into newspapers