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.
彼は新しい橋を設計した。
He designed a new bridge.
このシステムは私が設計しました。
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.
彼女はウェブサイトをデザインした。
She designed the website.
このロゴをデザインしたのは誰ですか？
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.
新しい調理法を考案した。
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.
この教科書は初心者向けに作られている。
This textbook is designed for beginners.
そのアプリは子供向けに設計されています。
The app is designed for children.
Similar to 向け, but 用 (よう) often implies a more specific functional purpose or use case.
このナイフはキャンプ用に作られている。
This knife is designed for camping.
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.
この政策は経済成長を意図している。
This policy is designed to promote economic growth.
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.
この建物の設計は素晴らしい。
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.
このカーテンの模様はきれいですね。
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.
水玉の柄のシャツ。
A shirt with a polka dot design.
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.
この椅子は快適さを追求して設計されている。
This chair is designed for comfort.
彼女はウェブサイトをデザインしている。
She designs websites.
その建物のデザインはモダンだ。
The building's design is modern.
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.
このデザインはちょっと派手すぎる。
This design is a bit too flashy.