What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
papercutting
Example
She spent hours papercutting intricate designs for her scrapbook. [papercutting: gerund or present participle]
Example
The museum had an exhibit on the history of papercutting in China. [papercutting: noun]
kirigami
Example
He made a kirigami crane that could flap its wings when you pulled a string. [kirigami: noun]
Example
The children enjoyed making kirigami snowflakes for their winter decorations. [kirigami: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Papercutting is more commonly known and practiced than kirigami in Western countries. However, both arts are still relatively niche and may not be familiar to everyone.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between papercutting and kirigami?
Neither papercutting nor kirigami are particularly formal or informal, and both can be used in various contexts depending on the level of formality required.
