折り鶴
orizuru
The English phrase "paper crane" is translated into Japanese as 折り鶴 (orizuru).
The term refers specifically to a crane made by folding a square piece of paper.
How do you pronounce it?
orizuru
Did you know?
- The 折り鶴 became a global symbol of peace and healing after a girl named Sadako Sasaki folded them while hospitalized with leukemia after the Hiroshima bombing.
- In Japan, folding one thousand 折り鶴 is a traditional practice believed to grant a wish or aid recovery from illness. This ritual is often accompanied by the phrase 千羽鶴, or 'one thousand cranes'.
- In Japanese culture, the crane is a symbol of longevity because it is said to live for one thousand years. Therefore, gifting a 折り鶴 is often a way to wish someone a long and healthy life.
Examples in context
- 折り鶴をたくさん作りました。Orizuru o takusan tsukurimashita.I made many paper cranes.
- この折り鶴はとても綺麗ですね。Kono orizuru wa totemo kirei desu ne.This paper crane is very beautiful, isn't it?
- 折り鶴の折り方を教えてください。Orizuru no orikata o oshiete kudasai.Please teach me how to fold a paper crane.
Example conversation
Kenta and Himari are looking at an origami display at a festival.
- 健太 Kentaあそこにたくさんの折り鶴がありますね。Asoko ni takusan no orizuru ga arimasu ne.There are many paper cranes over there, aren't there?
- 陽葵 Himari本当ですね。とても可愛いです。Hontou desu ne. Totemo kawaii desu.That's true. They are very cute.
- 健太 Kenta陽葵さんは折り鶴を作れますか？Himari-san wa orizuru o tsukuremasu ka?Can you make a paper crane, Himari?
- 陽葵 Himariはい、少しだけ作れます。Hai, sukoshi dake tsukuremasu.Yes, I can make them a little.
