Japanese for Architects and Designers: Drawings, Site Visits and Client Feedback
If you’re an architect or designer working with Japanese clients, firms or contractors, the Japanese to learn first is the vocabulary of drawings and sites, Japanese units such as 坪 (tsubo) and 畳 (tatami mats), polite language for presenting and revising designs, and how to read feedback that is often indirect. Drawings carry much of the meaning, so even modest Japanese lets you follow meetings, ask precise questions and build trust with clients.
Drawing and site vocabulary
| Japanese | Say it | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 図面 | zumen | Drawings |
| 平面図・立面図・断面図 | heimenzu, ritsumenzu, danmenzu | Plan, elevation, section |
| 施主 | seshu | Client, building owner |
| 現場 | genba | Site |
| 施工 | sekō | Construction, execution of works |
| 寸法 | sunpō | Dimensions |
| 素材・仕上げ | sozai, shiage | Material, finish |
| 修正 | shūsei | Revision |
Japanese units you’ll hear
- 坪 (tsubo): about 3.3 m², used for floor and land area.
- 畳 (jō): room size in tatami mats; a “6-jō room” is roughly 10 m², though mat sizes vary by region.
- 尺 (shaku): about 30.3 cm, still used in traditional carpentry and some module sizes.
- LDK: living, dining, kitchen; “2LDK” means two bedrooms plus an LDK.
Presenting a design
| Japanese | Say it | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| こちらがコンセプトになります。 | kochira ga konseputo ni narimasu. | This is the concept. |
| 光を取り入れるために、窓を大きくしました。 | hikari o toriireru tame ni, mado o ōkiku shimashita. | We made the windows larger to bring in light. |
| ご要望はございますか？ | goyōbō wa gozaimasu ka? | Do you have any requests? |
| 次回までに修正いたします。 | jikai made ni shūsei itashimasu. | We’ll revise it by next time. |
See giving a presentation in Japanese for structure.
Reading indirect feedback
Japanese clients rarely say “I don’t like it.” Listen for ちょっと検討させてください (let us think about it), もう少し〜でもいいかもしれません (maybe a bit more …) or a long pause. These often mean a real change is wanted. Ask gentle, specific questions, such as どのあたりが気になりますか？ (which part concerns you?). See meetings with Japanese partners and how to say no in Japanese.
How Hanabuddies can help
Our native tutors build lessons around your projects: drawing vocabulary, presenting designs and handling feedback, online at times that suit you. We can also interpret client meetings and site visits, in person anywhere in Japan or abroad (you cover the interpreter’s travel) or online, and translate design briefs and presentations into natural Japanese. We don’t provide simultaneous interpreting.