Translation guide
The English word "draft" has several distinct meanings, each requiring different Japanese expressions. This guide covers the most common uses: a preliminary version, a current of air, a plan or sketch, military conscription, and a bank payment order.
A rough or early version of a document, plan, or creative work.
Most common word for a rough draft of a document, essay, or letter. Implies it will be revised later.
レポートの下書きを書いた。
I wrote a draft of my report.
まず下書きを作ってから清書します。
First I'll make a draft, then write a clean copy.
Used for a draft of a formal document, contract, law, or proposal. More official than 下書き.
契約書の草案を確認してください。
Please review the draft of the contract.
Literary or academic term for a manuscript draft. Often used in compounds like 原稿 (manuscript) or 草稿 (rough draft).
この稿はまだ未完成です。
This draft is still incomplete.
A flow of cool air in a room or space, often unwanted.
Specifically refers to a draft coming through a crack or gap, like from a window or door.
窓からすきま風が入って寒い。
A draft is coming in through the window and it's cold.
Describes air flowing through a space, not necessarily negative. Can mean a pleasant breeze or ventilation.
この部屋は風がよく通る。
This room gets a good draft (breeze).
Loanword from English, used in technical contexts like engineering or air conditioning, but not common in daily conversation.
A preliminary drawing, design, or outline.
A rough sketch or preliminary drawing for a painting, illustration, or design.
画家は下絵を描いてから本番に取りかかる。
The artist draws a draft before starting the final work.
A blueprint or detailed plan, especially for architecture or engineering. Can be used for a draft plan.
A concept or rough plan, more abstract than a drawing. Used for ideas or project outlines.
Compulsory enlistment for military service.
The standard term for military conscription or draft.
彼は徴兵を逃れるために国外へ出た。
He left the country to avoid the draft.
A written order for a bank to pay money, like a check.
A bill of exchange or draft used in commercial transactions. Common in business contexts.
銀行で手形を割り引いてもらった。
I had the draft discounted at the bank.
Specifically a bill of exchange or foreign draft. More precise financial term.
The loanword ドラフト is mainly used for sports drafts (e.g., NBA draft) or technical air flow. For a document draft, use 下書き or 草案.
下書き is for everyday rough drafts (essays, letters). 草案 is for formal documents (contracts, laws, proposals). Using 草案 for a casual note sounds overly stiff.
エアコンのドラフトが強すぎる。
The air conditioner's draft is too strong.
新しい家の設計図の草案を見せてもらった。
I was shown the draft of the blueprint for the new house.
小説の構想を練っている。
I'm working on the draft (concept) of my novel.
The conscription system itself.
その国では徴兵制度がまだある。
That country still has a draft system.
輸出のため為替手形を発行した。
We issued a draft for the export.