Translation guide
The English word 'draught' (or 'draft') has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: a current of air, a drink (especially beer) served from a cask, a preliminary version of a document, and a plan or sketch. Other meanings like a group of people or a depth of water are less common and not included.
A flow of cool air in a room or enclosed space, often causing discomfort.
Literally 'gap wind', this is the most common and natural way to refer to a draught coming through a crack or gap.
窓からすきま風が入ってきて寒い。
A draught is coming in through the window and it's cold.
Simply 'wind'. In context, it can mean a draught, but it's less specific. Often used with modifiers like '冷たい' (cold).
ここ、風が通るね。
There's a draught here, isn't there?
A phrase meaning 'a draught comes in'. Useful for describing the situation.
ドアの下から隙間風が入ります。
A draught comes in from under the door.
Beer or other drink served from a cask or keg rather than a bottle or can, often implying freshness.
Literally 'raw beer', this is the standard term for draught beer in Japan. It implies unpasteurized, fresh beer served from a keg.
生ビールをください。
A draught beer, please.
Short for 生ビール. Commonly used in casual settings like izakaya.
とりあえず生！
I'll start with a draught beer!
An early version of a written work, plan, or drawing that is subject to revision.
A draft or rough copy. Used for documents, essays, drawings, etc.
まず下書きを書いてください。
Please write a draft first.
A draft of a plan, proposal, or legal document. More formal than 下書き.
A manuscript or draft of an article, book, or speech. Often used in publishing contexts.
Loanword used in specific contexts like sports drafts or technical document drafts.
A preliminary plan, outline, or sketch for something to be made.
A blueprint or design drawing. Used for buildings, machines, etc.
家の設計図を描いてもらった。
I had a draft of the house drawn up.
A plan, proposal, or idea. Often used in business contexts.
新しい企画の案を出してください。
Please submit a draft of the new project plan.
A sketch or rough drawing. Common for artistic or design drafts.
In British English, 'draught' is the spelling for air currents and beer, while 'draft' is used for documents and plans. In American English, 'draft' is used for all meanings. Japanese translations don't distinguish spelling, but context matters.
生ビール is the standard term for draught beer in Japan. ドラフトビール is a loanword used mainly in craft beer bars or by enthusiasts. Using 生ビール is always safe.
このビールは生ですか？
Is this beer on draught?
A direct loanword from English 'draft beer'. Less common than 生ビール, but understood, especially in craft beer contexts.
この店はドラフトビールの種類が豊富だ。
This place has a wide selection of draught beers.
契約書の草案を作成しました。
I prepared a draft of the contract.
原稿の締め切りは明日です。
The deadline for the draft is tomorrow.
ドラフト会議で彼は1位指名された。
He was the first pick in the draft.
デザインのスケッチを見せてください。
Please show me the draft of the design.