From the Japanese term "ori" meaning "fold" and "ami" meaning "folded paper," origami has been delighting and confusing linguists for centuries.
Etymologists believe the word "origami" comes from the Sanskrit word "arigata," meaning "folded paper" or "folded cloth." This word was adopted by the Japanese as "ori" (meaning "fold") and paired with "ami" (meaning "folded paper") to create the modern word "origami."
Learn about the origins of origami in Japan Discover the many types of origami