Japanese word

紙くず

Pronunciation

Romajikamikuzu

Meaning

  • nounpaper scraps

Example

紙くずを集めます。kami ku zu o atsu me ma su

I collect paper scraps.

Illustration for 紙くず (paper scraps)

More examples

作業が終わったら、紙くずを分別して捨てます。sa gyō ga o wa tta ra kami ku zu o bun betsu shi te su te ma su

When the work is finished, I sort the paper scraps and throw them away.

Core concept

Refers to small unwanted pieces of paper left after tearing, cutting, or using it.

Common phrases

  • 紙くずを捨てるkami ku zu o su te ru

    throw away paper scraps

Similar words

紙片shihen: A small fragment of paper, without necessarily implying that it is waste.
紙切れkamikire: A torn or cut piece of paper, often referring to one fragment.

Definition in Japanese

不要になった紙の細かな切れ端やくず。fu yō ni na tta kami no koma ka na ki re hashi ya ku zu

Word origin

The compound 紙くず (kamikuzu) combines 紙 (kami, "paper") and くず (kuzu, "scraps"), forming a word for scraps of paper.

Usage tips

  • In everyday Japanese, 紙くず (kamikuzu) can refer to scraps on a desk as well as bits swept from the floor.

Word lists with this word