包(つつ)み紙(がみ)

つつみがみ
noun
wrapping paper
daily-life
1. wrapping paper; packaging paper
Paper used to wrap gifts, purchases, or other items.
包(つつ)み紙(がみ)をはがす。
To remove the wrapping paper.
きれいな包(つつ)み紙(がみ)でプレゼントを包(つつ)む。
To wrap a present in pretty wrapping paper.
The children ripped open the wrapping paper and were thrilled by the present inside.

Composed of 包(つつ)み (wrapping, from the verb 包(つつ)む 'to wrap') + 紙(がみ) (paper, with rendaku). A straightforward compound referring to paper used for wrapping.

Common collocations

Similar words

  • ラッピング: wrapping (loanword) — often used for gift wrapping in stores; 包(つつ)み紙(がみ) specifically refers to the paper itself
  • 包装紙(ほうそうし): wrapping paper — a more formal synonym using on'yomi; 包(つつ)み紙(がみ) uses kun'yomi and feels more everyday

Cultural note

In Japan, wrapping is considered an important part of gift-giving. Department stores and shops typically offer complimentary gift wrapping (包装(ほうそう)) with distinctive store-branded wrapping paper.