Meaning
剪纸 refers to the traditional Chinese folk art of cutting intricate designs and patterns into paper using scissors or knives. As a noun, it describes both the art form itself and the finished paper-cut artwork. As a verb, it means to engage in the act of creating paper-cut art.
Usage
剪纸 is strongly associated with Chinese cultural traditions, especially during festivals like Spring Festival when red paper cuttings decorate windows and doors for good luck. The term is used both for the traditional folk art and modern artistic interpretations. When speaking about the activity, natives often say 剪剪纸 or use it with verbs like 做 (to make) or 学 (to learn).
Examples
- 01过年的时候，奶奶会在窗户上贴红色的剪纸。, .During Chinese New Year, Grandma puts red paper cuttings on the windows.
- 02我在文化中心学习了剪纸艺术，觉得非常有意思。, .I learned the art of paper cutting at the cultural center and found it very interesting.
Characters
Measure words
- 幅一幅剪纸
- 张两张剪纸
Common collocations
- 剪纸艺术paper-cutting art
- 学剪纸to learn paper cutting
- 剪纸作品paper-cut artwork
- 传统剪纸traditional paper cutting
Origin
The compound literally means cut-paper, directly describing the art form. Paper cutting has existed in China since the invention of paper during the Han Dynasty, with the art form flourishing particularly after paper became widely available.