What age is this origami Hippo Face for?

About Age 5+. It is rated “Easy” (level 2 of 5), with 6 steps, and takes about 6 minutes.

What paper do I need?

One sheet of square origami paper (15 cm / 6 in). No scissors or glue are needed.

What is it called in Japanese?

In Japanese it is “かば”. The word origami (折り紙) itself means “folding paper”: ori = fold, kami = paper.

Can I print the instructions?

Yes. “Print the diagram” puts every step on one page (or a PDF), and the practice sheet has the crease lines printed on the paper. Free for home and classroom use.

★★Easy AnimalsOriginal

How to make an origami Hippo FaceかばHippo Face

A hippo face with tiny ears and a big wide mouth.

6 steps
about 6 min
1 sheet of origami paper
Age 5+

How to fold

上のかどを下へ折って、三角にする
Fold the top corner down to make a triangle.
左右のかどを、下のかどに合わせて折る
Fold the side corners down to the bottom corner.
かどの先を、ななめ上へ折って小さな耳をつくる
Fold the tips up and out to make small ears.
うらがえす
Turn it over.
下のかどを上へ折る
Fold the bottom corner up.
大きな鼻と口になります。
上と左右のかどを、うしろへ折る
Fold the top and side corners behind.
できあがり！目と、大きな鼻のあなをかいたら、かばのできあがり。
Finished! Draw the eyes and the big nostrils. Your hippo is ready!

Fun fact

かばは、1日の多くの時間を水の中ですごします。

Hippos spend most of the day in the water.

Origami English in this model

corner角
triangle三角形
hippoかば
mouth口
river川

❓ FAQ

What age is this origami Hippo Face for?: About Age 5+. It is rated “Easy” (level 2 of 5), with 6 steps, and takes about 6 minutes.
What paper do I need?: One sheet of square origami paper (15 cm / 6 in). No scissors or glue are needed.
What is it called in Japanese?: In Japanese it is “かば”. The word origami (折り紙) itself means “folding paper”: ori = fold, kami = paper.
Can I print the instructions?: Yes. “Print the diagram” puts every step on one page (or a PDF), and the practice sheet has the crease lines printed on the paper. Free for home and classroom use.