1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “紙” (pronounced “kami”) means “paper.” It refers to the thin material used for writing, printing, and packaging, made from cellulose pulp derived from wood, rags, or grasses.
2. Formation and Radicals
The kanji “紙” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines the radical for “cloth” (巾) and the character for “to serve” (寺), symbolizing the idea of a material that serves a purpose. The radical巾 indicates that it is related to textiles or materials.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “紙” are:
- 新聞紙 (shinbunshi) – newspaper
- 和紙 (washi) – traditional Japanese paper
- コピー紙 (kopi-shi) – copy paper
Example sentences in daily conversation:
- この紙はとても薄いです。 (Kono kami wa totemo usui desu.) – This paper is very thin.
- 私は紙に絵を描きます。 (Watashi wa kami ni e o kakimasu.) – I will draw a picture on the paper.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 文書 (bunsho) – document, which refers to written materials but is more formal.
- 冊子 (sasshi) – booklet, which is a collection of pages bound together.
Antonyms include:
- デジタル (dejitaru) – digital, referring to electronic formats as opposed to physical paper.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The kanji “紙” is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, where traditional paper (和紙) has been used for centuries in art, calligraphy, and crafts. It is often associated with cultural practices such as origami (the art of paper folding) and is considered a symbol of creativity and craftsmanship.
Proverbs and idiomatic expressions related to “紙” include:
- 紙一重 (kami hitowe) – meaning “a fine line,” used to describe a situation where two things are very close or similar.
- 紙の上の空論 (kami no ue no kuuron) – meaning “theoretical discussions on paper,” referring to ideas that are not practical or applicable in real life.