(しんぶんし)

しんぶんし
noun
newspaper (as material); newsprint
daily-life
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(しんぶんし)(まど)()
To wipe the windows with newspaper.
()()(とき)食器(しょっき)新聞紙(しんぶんし)(つつ)んだ
When moving, I wrapped the dishes in newspaper.
The children used newspaper to make hats in their arts and crafts class.

Composed of 新聞(しんぶん) (newspaper) + () (paper). While 新聞(しんぶん) refers to the newspaper as a publication to read, 新聞紙(しんぶんし) emphasizes the physical paper material. This distinction is important in everyday Japanese.

Common collocations

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(しんぶん): newspaper — the publication itself, what you read
  • 古紙(こし): waste paper — broader term for paper to be recycled
  • チラシ: flyer, advertising insert — the leaflets inserted into newspapers