意匠
Meanings
design; ornamental design
Refers to the visual, structural, or ornamental design of objects, buildings, or patterns. Common in fields like architecture, product design, and intellectual property (意匠権 = design right).
The design of this building draws on traditional Japanese houses.
The design of the new smartphone was unveiled.
A somewhat formal or literary term for a creative idea, conception, or plan, especially in artistic or inventive contexts. Less common in everyday conversation than アイデア or 考え.
His work reveals an original conception.
This garden incorporates Zen ideas into its design concept.
Usage patterns
- 意匠権を侵害するto infringe a design right
The company was sued for infringing another firm's design right.
- 意匠を登録するto register a design
We registered the design of the new product with the patent office.
- 独自の意匠a unique/original design
This building features a unique design.
- 意匠を練るto work out an idea/conception in detail
The writer was carefully working out the concept for a new story.
Expressions
- 意匠を凝らしたelaborately designed; with great ingenuity in design