Translation guide
The English word "design" covers a wide range of meanings, from creating plans and patterns to intending something for a purpose. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese expression based on what you want to say.
You are talking about the act of planning the form, structure, or appearance of something, like a building, a machine, a website, or a logo.
The most common and general verb for designing something functional or structural, like buildings, machines, systems, or software. It emphasizes the technical planning aspect.
He designed a new bridge.
I designed this system.
Used for artistic or aesthetic design, such as fashion, graphics, interiors, or product styling. It focuses on the visual and creative aspect.
She designed the website.
Who designed this logo?
Means to devise or come up with a plan, idea, or invention. It's more about the conceptual design rather than the detailed technical or visual execution.
He devised a new cooking method.
You want to say that something is made or planned with a particular goal or user in mind.
This pattern means 'designed for' or 'intended for' a specific audience or purpose. Use 向け (むけ) to indicate the target.
This textbook is designed for beginners.
The app is designed for children.
Similar to 向け, but 用 (よう) often implies a more specific functional purpose or use case.
A formal verb meaning 'to intend'. It can be used to say something is designed to do something, but it's less common in everyday speech.
You are referring to the resulting plan, drawing, or pattern, not the action of creating it.
The noun form for a technical or structural plan, like a blueprint or system design.
The design of this building is wonderful.
The noun for visual or aesthetic design, like a pattern, style, or graphic design.
Specifically refers to a design or pattern for crafts, textiles, or decorative arts.
A formal term for design, often used in legal contexts (like design patents) or industrial design.
You are talking about a repeated decorative motif on fabric, wallpaper, etc.
The most common word for a pattern or design on a surface, like textiles, ceramics, or wallpaper.
The design on these curtains is pretty, isn't it?
Often used interchangeably with 模様, but can feel slightly more casual. It's very common for clothing patterns.
Also used for patterns, especially in modern or graphic contexts.
設計 (せっけい) is for technical, structural, or system planning (engineering, architecture, software). デザイン is for visual, aesthetic, or artistic creation (graphics, fashion, product styling). When in doubt, デザイン is safer for anything visual, while 設計 is for functional plans.
When you mean 'designed to do something' or 'intended for someone', do not use デザイン. Use patterns like ～向け or ～用 instead.
This chair is designed for comfort.
She designs websites.
The building's design is modern.
This knife is designed for camping.
This policy is designed to promote economic growth.
そのドレスのデザインが気に入った。
I liked the design of the dress.
To draw a kimono design.
To obtain a design right.
A shirt with a polka dot design.
このデザインはちょっと派手すぎる。
This design is a bit too flashy.