How to say "fold" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- godan verb, transitive verbThe verb for folding something flat onto itself, such as clothes or an umbrella; it describes the action of making an object smaller or neater by folding it.
- 折り目おりめnounA noun for a fold or crease — the line left in fabric or paper by folding — and for pleats. Use it when referring to the mark or feature itself rather than the action.
- 折るおるgodan verb, transitive verbA verb meaning to fold or to bend. It suits folding paper or bending something at an angle, in contrast with たたむ's folding flat onto itself.
- 折おりnounA noun for folding, a fold, a pleat, or a crease. It seldom stands alone, appearing mostly as an element in compounds, so 折り目 is usually the noun to use.
Use 「たたむ」 for the action of folding something flat such as clothes or an umbrella, 「折る」 for folding or bending at an angle, and the nouns 「折り目」 or 折 for a fold, crease, or pleat.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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