ティッシュ
tisshu[tʲiɕːɨ]
The English word "tissue" can be translated into Japanese as ティッシュ (tisshu). If unsure, use ティッシュ. Wiktionary also lists ティッシュペーパー (tisshu pēpā) and 鼻紙 (hanagami).
Meaning: sheet of absorbent paper (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| ティッシュ | tisshu | [tʲiɕːɨ] (narrow) |
| ティッシュペーパー | tisshu pēpā | |
| 鼻紙 | hanagami | [ha̠na̠ɡa̠mʲi] (narrow) |
| 塵紙 | chirigami | [t͡ɕiɾʲiɡa̠mʲi] (narrow) [t͡ɕiɾʲiɕi] (narrow) |
ティッシュ is the most common way to refer to facial tissues in a household or retail setting.
Which one should you use?
While ティッシュペーパー is the full loanword, most people shorten it to just ティッシュ in daily conversation.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
塵紙 is an older term that can refer to paper in general or specifically to toilet paper, and is less common in modern standard speech.
How do you pronounce it?
tisshu
Did you know?
- In Japan, it is common to see small, decorative packs of ティッシュ given away as promotional items by companies, often featuring cute characters or seasonal art.
- The term 鼻紙 (hanagami) literally translates to 'nose paper', which is a very direct and slightly blunt way to describe what the object is actually used for.
- Historically, before the rise of disposable ティッシュ, Japanese people used chirigami, which were small pieces of recycled scrap paper used for the nose.
Examples in context
- ティッシュはいいよ。I don't need a tissue.This sentence shows how to use ティッシュ to decline an offer.Tatoeba #9025951 by small_snow, translation #3723546 by CM
- ティッシュ一枚取って。Hand me a tissue.This sentence shows how to use ティッシュ when asking someone to pass the item.Tatoeba #8618029 by bunbuku, translation #3392966 by CK
- ティッシュがいるんだ。I need a tissue.This sentence shows how to use ティッシュ to express a need.Tatoeba #9025947 by small_snow, translation #4707889 by AlanF_US
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A boy is eating something messy and the girl offers him a tissue.
- 大翔 Hiroto手がベタベタする。Te ga betabeta suru.My hands are sticky.
- 結衣 Yuiじゃあ、このティッシュを使って。Jaa, kono tisshu o tsukatte.Then, use this tissue.
- 大翔 Hirotoありがとう、助かるよ。Arigatou, tasukaru yo.Thanks, that helps.
- 結衣 Yui大翔くん、汚さないでね。Hiroto-kun, yogosanaide ne.Hiroto, don't get things dirty.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tissue” translations and entries ティッシュ, ティッシュペーパー, 鼻紙, 塵紙, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
