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.
The lettering on the doorplate is faded and unreadable.
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.
医院の表札を新調しました。
We had a new doorplate made for the clinic.