What is a paper crane called in Japanese?

Orizuru (折り鶴). A string of a thousand paper cranes is called senbazuru (千羽鶴) and is a wish for health and peace.

How do you say “let’s do origami” in Japanese?

Origami o shiyō! (折り紙をしよう！) — “Let’s do origami!” Every model on this site also shows its Japanese name.

Is origami countable?

As an art it is uncountable (I love origami). For the things you fold, say an origami crane or two origami models; the paper is a sheet of origami paper.

What are valley and mountain folds?

A valley fold makes a “V” you can look into; a mountain fold points up like a mountain. See all folding terms with animations on the origami words page.

ORIGAMI IN ENGLISH

Origami in English — Meaning, Words and Model Names

What does origami mean, how do you explain it, and what are the models called? Everything you need to talk about Japanese paper folding in English.

What does “origami” mean?

Origami (折り紙) comes from two Japanese words: ori (折り, “folding”) and kami (紙, “paper”) — so origami literally means folding paper. In English it is also called paper folding, and the square sheets are origami paper. Traditional Japanese origami uses one square sheet, with no cutting or glue.

Paper crane — orizuru

In Japanese a paper crane is orizuru (折り鶴). The crane is a symbol of long life, and a garland of a thousand cranes — senbazuru (千羽鶴) — is a wish for health and peace. The story of Sadako Sasaki of Hiroshima made the paper crane a symbol of peace around the world.

How to make a paper crane

Simple sentences about origami

Origami is the Japanese art of folding paper.
You can make animals, flowers and toys from one square sheet of paper.
You don’t need scissors or glue.
The paper crane is the most famous origami model.

A short speech about origami

About one minute when read aloud — great for a class presentation.

Have you ever tried origami?
Origami is a traditional Japanese craft.
“Ori” means “folding,” and “kami” means “paper.”
With just one square sheet, you can make a crane, a frog or a samurai helmet.
In Japan, people fold a thousand paper cranes to wish for good health and peace.
Origami is also used in science — for example, to fold solar panels for space.
Let’s fold a crane together!

Phrases for folding together

Let's make a paper crane!
Let's do origami together!
Pick a color you like.
Which color do you want?
Fold it in half.
Fold corner to corner.
Is this right?
Like this?
Good job!
Perfect!
Oops!
I made a mistake.

More phrases

Basic folding terms

All 79 origami words

Origami models in English and Japanese (376)

Tap a name to see how to fold it, with its Japanese name.

Animals

Birds & Bugs

Japanese Tradition

Toys & Games

Vehicles & Things

Food

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FAQ

What does “origami” mean?: Origami (折り紙) is Japanese for “folding paper”: ori means “folding” and kami means “paper.” In English we also say paper folding.
What is a paper crane called in Japanese?: Orizuru (折り鶴). A string of a thousand paper cranes is called senbazuru (千羽鶴) and is a wish for health and peace.
How do you say “let’s do origami” in Japanese?: Origami o shiyō! (折り紙をしよう！) — “Let’s do origami!” Every model on this site also shows its Japanese name.
Is origami countable?: As an art it is uncountable (I love origami). For the things you fold, say an origami crane or two origami models; the paper is a sheet of origami paper.
What are valley and mountain folds?: A valley fold makes a “V” you can look into; a mountain fold points up like a mountain. See all folding terms with animations on the origami words page.