デザイン
dezain[de̞za̠ĩɴ]
The English word 'design' can be translated into Japanese as デザイン (dezain).
デザイン refers to the appearance of an object.
Meaning: appearance (noun)
Which one should you use?
While デザイン is used to describe appearance, the word 設計 is used specifically to refer to the process of planning and creating designs, commonly used in fields such as architecture or engineering.
How does it change in a sentence?
To indicate possession or a relationship (e.g., 'the design of the car'), use the particle の after デザイン.
How do you pronounce it?
dezain
Did you know?
- If you use デザイン to describe a person's physical appearance, it can sound like you are talking about them as if they were a manufactured product rather than a human being.
- Japanese has a concept called 和風 'wafū' to describe a specifically traditional Japanese design style, which is often contrasted with 洋風 'yōfū' for Western-style design.
- In technical documentation, the term 意匠 (ishō) is used to refer to a design that is legally protected. It is a formal legal term used in patent and trademark law rather than everyday conversation.
Examples in context
- トムのデザインは非常に独創的だ。Tom's design is very original.This sentence is useful for describing the originality of a design.Tatoeba #2734432 by tommy_san, translation #5390758 by Yakuwari
- 機能はいいのにデザインで損してる。Its features are good, but the design is where it fails.This sentence is useful for explaining how a design can negatively impact a product despite good features.Tatoeba #11027878 by KK_kaku_, translation #11040318 by end
- この新しいデザイン、前のより断然いいね。This new design is much better than the old one.This sentence is useful for comparing the quality of a new design to an older one.Tatoeba #11604186 by bunbuku, translation #11633708 by CK
- 私はデザインに興味があります。I am interested in design.
- この服のデザインすごくカッコいい！The design of this outfit is really cool!
- あの建物のめちゃ綺麗なデザインに感動したよ。I was impressed by the incredibly beautiful design of that building.
- 14 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hiyori and Ren are looking at a new smartphone together.
- 陽葵 Himariこのスマホ、デザインがすごくシンプルだね。Kono sumaho, dezain ga sugoku shinpuru da ne.This smartphone has a very simple design.
- 蓮 Renそうだね。色もきれいでいいと思うよ。Sou da ne. Iro mo kirei de ii to omou yo.I agree. I think the color is beautiful too.
- 陽葵 Himari蓮はどんなデザインが好き？Ren wa donna dezain ga suki?What kind of design do you like, Ren?
- 蓮 Ren僕はもっとモダンなデザインがいいな。Boku wa motto modan na dezain ga ii na.I prefer a more modern design.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry デザイン, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
