Translation guide
A doorplate in Japanese contexts is typically a nameplate or sign on a door or gate, often indicating the resident's name, room number, or business name. The most common equivalent is 表札 (nameplate for a house), but other terms apply depending on the setting.
doorplate (residential nameplate)
A plate on the door or gate of a house showing the family name
The standard term for a nameplate on a house or apartment door, typically showing the family name.
I got a new doorplate.
The doorplate on this house says 'Tanaka'.
A sign on a door indicating a room number, office name, or occupant in a building
A sign showing a room number, often used in hotels or office buildings.
The room number plate had come off.
A loanword from English, used for various door signs, especially in commercial or modern settings.
We replaced the office doorplate.
A more formal or technical term for a sign indicating a name or designation, less common in daily speech.
A sign on a door or entrance indicating a company name or professional title
In Japan, a 'doorplate' is most commonly a 表札 (nameplate) on a house. For hotels or offices, specify the type of sign (e.g., room number, company name) to choose the right word.
The lettering on the doorplate is faded and unreadable.
医院の表札を新調しました。
We had a new doorplate made for the clinic.