Translation guide
How to express the idea of a rough draft in Japanese, covering early versions of documents, plans, and creative works.
The earliest, unpolished version of something written, such as an essay, report, or proposal.
The most common word for a rough draft or preliminary sketch of a document. Used for handwritten or typed drafts.
まず下書きを書いてから、清書します。
First I'll write a rough draft, then make a clean copy.
下書きの段階では、細かいミスは気にしないでください。
At the rough draft stage, don't worry about small mistakes.
A draft of a formal document, such as a contract, law, or proposal. More official than 下書き.
契約書の草案を作成しました。
I prepared a rough draft of the contract.
A manuscript draft, often used for literary or academic works. Slightly formal and less common in daily conversation.
小説の草稿を出版社に送った。
I sent the rough draft of the novel to the publisher.
A preliminary drawing, design, or rough plan that is not yet detailed.
From English 'rough', used for rough sketches, drafts, or preliminary designs. Common in creative fields.
デザインのラフをいくつか描いてみました。
I drew a few rough drafts of the design.
A rough sketch or preliminary drawing for a painting, illustration, or map.
An outline or rough summary of a plan or story. Not a physical draft, but a conceptual overview.
A preliminary version of digital content, such as code, emails, or posts.
Save as draft (e.g., in email or blog platforms). The noun 'draft' is often 下書き.
メールを下書き保存しました。
I saved the email as a draft.
Loanword from English, used in tech contexts like 'draft mode' or 'draft version'. Less common than 下書き for general use.
このドキュメントはまだドラフトです。
This document is still a rough draft.
下書き is the everyday word for any rough draft. 草案 is for formal documents like laws or contracts. 草稿 is for literary or academic manuscripts. Use 下書き unless the context is very formal or specialized.
レポートの下書きを見せてください。
Please show me the rough draft of your report.
憲法の草案が発表された。
The draft of the constitution was announced.
ラフ is mainly for visual or design drafts. Using it for a text draft can sound odd. Stick to 下書き for written content.
✕ 作文のラフを書く
Intended: write a rough draft of an essay
○ 作文の下書きを書く
Write a rough draft of an essay
✕ 作文のラフを書く
Intended: write a rough draft of an essay
○ 作文の下書きを書く
Write a rough draft of an essay
Draw a rough draft of the mural.
計画のあらましを説明してください。
Please give me a rough draft of the plan.