Meaning and Usage
The word "纸" (zhǐ) primarily means "paper," the material used for writing, printing, or folding. It is a common noun and appears frequently in everyday contexts such as school, office, and crafts.
Common Collocations
- 一张纸 (yī zhāng zhǐ): a piece of paper, used when specifying quantity.
- 纸张 (zhǐ zhāng): paper sheets or paper stock, often used in formal or commercial contexts.
- 折纸 (zhézhǐ): origami, the art of paper folding.
Usage Notes
When using "纸," it is common to specify the quantity with measure words like "张" (zhāng). The word can describe both the physical material and items made from paper, such as origami or paper crafts. Avoid confusing "纸" with "字" (zì), which means "character" or "word." Although they sound similar, their meanings and uses differ significantly.
Register and Tone
"纸" is a neutral, everyday word suitable for all registers. It is neither formal nor informal and is widely understood by all Mandarin speakers.