Understanding "纸张" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 纸张
• Pinyin: zhǐ zhāng
• Literal Meaning: "Paper sheet" (纸 means "paper," 张 is a measure word for flat objects like sheets)
• Primary Meaning: Refers to paper as a material or sheets of paper collectively.

2. In-depth Explanation

• Context and Usage:
• "纸张" is a formal and general term for paper, often used in written or technical contexts (e.g., discussing paper quality, printing, or materials).
• Unlike "纸" (zhǐ), which can refer to paper casually (e.g., "一张纸" – "a piece of paper"), "纸张" emphasizes paper as a bulk material or category.

• Common in phrases like "纸张厚度" (paper thickness) or "环保纸张" (eco-friendly paper).

• Character Breakdown:

• 纸 (zhǐ): Means "paper." Derived from the silk radical (纟) and the phonetic component "氏" (shì), historically linked to early papermaking.
• 张 (zhāng): A measure word for flat objects (e.g., paper, paintings). Here, it generalizes "paper" as a collective noun.

3. Example Sentences

1. Chinese: 这种纸张非常适合打印照片。
   Pinyin: Zhè zhǒng zhǐzhāng fēicháng shìhé dǎyìn zhàopiàn.
   English: This type of paper is very suitable for printing photos.

2. Chinese: 请节约使用纸张，保护环境。
   Pinyin: Qǐng jiéyuē shǐyòng zhǐzhāng, bǎohù huánjìng.
   English: Please conserve paper to protect the environment.

3. Chinese: 我们需要购买更多的办公纸张。
   Pinyin: Wǒmen xūyào gòumǎi gèng duō de bàngōng zhǐzhāng.
   English: We need to buy more office paper.

Cultural Notes

• Paper (纸) was invented in China around 105 CE by Cai Lun, revolutionizing communication and art.
• Traditional Chinese paper (e.g., "宣纸" – xuānzhǐ) is still prized for calligraphy and painting due to its absorbency and durability.
• Modern "纸张" reflects China’s role as a global paper producer, with emphasis on sustainability (e.g., recycled paper).

Conclusion

"纸张" (zhǐ zhāng) is a practical term for "paper" as a material or resource. Remember:
- Use it for formal/technical contexts.
- The characters 纸 (paper) + 张 (measure word) highlight its collective meaning.
- Linked to China’s historical and modern paper culture.

Practice with the examples to master this word!