How to Say "Origami" in Japanese

折り紙

origami[o̞ɾʲiɡa̠mʲi]

The Japanese phrase for origami is 折り紙.

折り紙 refers specifically to the art of folding paper, often without cutting or gluing, though in English it is sometimes used more broadly.

Meaning: Japanese art of paper folding (noun)

What does it mean word for word?

The word is a compound of ori (from the verb oru, meaning to fold) and kami (meaning paper).

To express the action of doing origami, use the verb suru (to do) after the noun.

origami

The word kami in 折り紙 refers to paper, but it is also the exact same word used for 'god' or 'spirit' in Japanese. While the kanji are different, the spoken sound is identical, creating a linguistic coincidence between art and the divine.
Traditional 折り紙 is closely linked to the ceremony of noshi, where specific folded paper strips are attached to gifts to indicate the occasion and the giver's intent.
In Japanese culture, the 折り鶴 or folded crane is a symbol of healing and hope. It is common to see thousands of these tiny paper cranes displayed at hospitals or memorials to wish for peace.

トムは折り紙アーティストだ。
Tom is an origami artist.
This sentence is useful for identifying someone as an artist of 折り紙.
Tatoeba #8768587 by small_snow, translation #5874776 by Hybrid
不器用なので、折り紙は苦手です。
I'm all thumbs, so I'm not very good at origami.
This sentence is useful for expressing a lack of skill in 折り紙.
Tatoeba #10516177 by small_snow, translation #8567732 by CK
折り紙に必要なものは、1枚の紙だけです。
All you need for origami is a sheet of paper.
This sentence is useful for stating the requirements for 折り紙.
Tatoeba #12003480 by small_snow, translation #5874785 by Hybrid
折り紙が好きですか？
Do you like origami?
おりがみの腕前がすごいですね！
Origami no udemae ga sugoi desu ne!
私の一番好きな折り方はツルです。
My favorite origami model is the crane.
4 more sentences on Tatoeba

Two friends are sitting in a cafe looking at a book.

美咲 Misaki

この折り紙、すごく難しいね。
Kono origami, sugoku muzukashii ne.
This origami is really difficult, isn't it?
陽太 Yota

そうだね、でも完成すると綺麗だよ。
Sou da ne, demo kansei suru to kirei da yo.
That's true, but it looks beautiful when it's finished.
美咲 Misaki

陽太君は、折り紙が得意なの？
Youta-kun wa, origami ga tokui na no?
Youta, are you good at origami?
陽太 Yota

昔は、よく作っていたよ。
Mukashi wa, yoku tsukutte ita yo.
I used to make it often in the past.

Sources

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