origami
/oɾiˈɡami/masculine
The English phrase 'origami' can be translated into Spanish as origami or papiroflexia.
Meaning: Japanese art of paper folding (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| origami | /oɾiˈɡami/ | masculine |
| papiroflexia | /papiɾoˈfleɡsja/ | feminine |
Origami specifically refers to the Japanese art of paper folding, whereas papiroflexia is a general term for the hobby of paper folding.
Which one should you use?
While origami is used to refer specifically to the Japanese art, papiroflexia is the more common, general Spanish term for the hobby of paper folding.
How does it change in a sentence?
Origami is a masculine noun, used as el origami. Papiroflexia is a feminine noun, used as la papiroflexia.
How do you pronounce it?
/oɾiˈɡami/
Did you know?
- The word papiroflexia is a 'calque' of the Japanese word origami, meaning it was created by translating the individual Japanese components 'folding' and 'paper' into Spanish roots.
- In Spanish-speaking contexts, using papiroflexia can sound more technical or academic compared to the more casual 'origami'.
- In Spanish, flexia refers to the act of bending or folding, a root also found in words related to the flexibility of the body or mind.
Examples in context
- El secreto de la productividad en muchos campos y en el origami es dejar que los muertos hagan el trabajo por uno.The secret to productivity in so many fields and in origami is letting dead people do your work for you.This sentence is useful for seeing how origami is used in a context discussing productivity.Tatoeba #11161480 by DJ_Saidez, translation #336510 by TRANG
- ¿Sabes cómo se llama la técnica de doblar papel y crear figuras?Do you know what's the name of the technique of folding paper and creating figures?
- Sí, se llama papiroflexia u origami.Yes, it's called papiroflexia or origami.
- ¡Diviértete explorando la fascinante práctica del origami en español!Have fun exploring the fascinating practice of origami in Spanish!
- Me encanta hacer origami en mi tiempo libre.I love doing origami in my free time.
- El origami es una técnica muy relajante.Origami is a very relaxing technique.
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are talking about their hobbies at a cafe.
- Elena¿Te gusta el origami, Javier?Do you like origami, Javier?
- JavierSí, siempre hago algunas figuras de papel.Yes, I always make some paper figures.
- Elena¡Qué bien! Yo también practico mucho.That's great! I practice a lot too.
- JavierPodemos practicar juntos un día.We can practice together one day.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “origami” translations and entries origami, papiroflexia, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries origami, papiroflexia, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
