Meaning and Usage
"종이" means "paper" in Korean and is a very common noun used in everyday life. It refers to the material made from wood pulp or other fibers used for writing, printing, or folding.
Common Contexts
You will often hear "종이" when talking about writing letters, printing documents, or crafting, such as making paper airplanes or origami. It can describe the physical quality of paper, like thickness or texture.
Collocations and Patterns
- 종이에 쓰다: to write on paper
- 종이를 접다: to fold paper (common in crafts)
- 종이가 찢어지다: paper tears
These collocations help you talk about actions involving paper clearly and naturally.
Register and Usage Notes
"종이" is a neutral noun used in both formal and informal contexts. It is rarely used metaphorically in casual speech, so focus on its literal meaning.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "종이" with "책" (book) or "신문" (newspaper). Remember, "종이" is just the material, not the printed product itself.