紙 / 纸
zhǐ
The English word 'paper' is translated into Chinese as 紙 / 纸 (zhǐ). If unsure, use 紙 / 纸.
Meaning: sheet material (noun)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 紙 / 纸 | zhǐ | |
| 紙 / 纸 | chí/chóa | Hokkien |
This term refers to sheet material. In specific contexts, you may encounter Xuānzhǐ (宣纸), which formally refers to rice paper or Xuan paper used in calligraphy and painting. For informal notes or messages, the term Zhǐtiáo (纸条) is used to describe a small piece of paper used to jot things down.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The word зы is used in Dungan, while 紙 / 纸 is used in Hokkien.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To describe something as being made of paper, use the adjective 紙製的 / 纸制的.
How do you pronounce it?
The Hokkien form is pronounced chí/chóa.
Did you know?
- In some traditional Chinese rituals, 'joss paper' is burned as an offering to ancestors to provide them with currency and assets in the afterlife.
- In traditional Chinese culture, the phrase 纸上谈兵 literally means 'discussing military tactics on paper' and is used to describe someone who has theoretical knowledge but no practical experience.
- While 宣纸 is commonly called 'rice paper' in English, it is not actually made from rice, but primarily from the bark of the sand-vermilion tree and straw.
Examples in context
- 请给我一张纸Please give me a piece of paper.
- 你有笔有纸吗?Do you have a pen and paper?
- 他使用宣纸书写He uses Xuan paper for writing.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “paper” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
