Translation guide
How to express the idea of a rough draft in Japanese, covering early versions of documents, plans, and creative works.
The earliest, unpolished version of something written, such as an essay, report, or proposal.
The most common word for a rough draft or preliminary sketch of a document. Used for handwritten or typed drafts.
First I'll write a rough draft, then make a clean copy.
At the rough draft stage, don't worry about small mistakes.
A draft of a formal document, such as a contract, law, or proposal. More official than 下書き.
I prepared a rough draft of the contract.
A manuscript draft, often used for literary or academic works. Slightly formal and less common in daily conversation.
I sent the rough draft of the novel to the publisher.
A preliminary drawing, design, or rough plan that is not yet detailed.
From English 'rough', used for rough sketches, drafts, or preliminary designs. Common in creative fields.
I drew a few rough drafts of the design.
A rough sketch or preliminary drawing for a painting, illustration, or map.
An outline or rough summary of a plan or story. Not a physical draft, but a conceptual overview.
A preliminary version of digital content, such as code, emails, or posts.
下書き is the everyday word for any rough draft. 草案 is for formal documents like laws or contracts. 草稿 is for literary or academic manuscripts. Use 下書き unless the context is very formal or specialized.
Please show me the rough draft of your report.
The draft of the constitution was announced.
ラフ is mainly for visual or design drafts. Using it for a text draft can sound odd. Stick to 下書き for written content.
Intended: write a rough draft of an essay
Draw a rough draft of the mural.
計画のあらましを説明してください。
Please give me a rough draft of the plan.
このドキュメントはまだドラフトです。
This document is still a rough draft.
Write a rough draft of an essay