Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Fold" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "fold", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
折る
おる (oru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
畳む
たたむ (tatamu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "fold" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 折る and 畳む.
In Japanese, 折る (おる (oru)) is typically associated with "to fold; to break (a stick-like object)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Used for folding paper, clothes, etc., or for breaking long, thin, rigid objects like branches, bones, or chopsticks..
On the other hand, 畳む (たたむ (tatamu)) maps to "to fold" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Used for folding clothes, blankets, umbrellas, paper, etc. Implies making something compact by folding.. A literal translation of "fold" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "折る"
紙を半分に折ってください。
Please fold the paper in half.
Bilingual Context for "畳む"
洗濯物を畳んでください。
Please fold the laundry.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "紙を半分に折ってください。" (Meaning: "Please fold the paper in half.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "折る" fits here because it means "to fold; to break (a stick-like object)" in the context of: "Please fold the paper in half.". "畳む" represents "to fold".