設計

• Reading: せっけい
• Romaji: sekkei
• Kanji breakdown: 設 (setsu) — establish, set up; 計 (kei) — measure, plan
• Pronunciation: /seʔ.keː/

Meaning

Plan; design. The act of creating detailed plans or blueprints for something to be built or implemented.

A noun that also functions as a suru verb (設計する). Used for architectural design, engineering plans, software design, and life planning. Common compounds include 設計図 (blueprint), 設計者 (designer/architect). Covers both concrete designs (buildings, products) and abstract planning (system design, life design).

Examples

1. この建物の設計はとても美しいと思う。 I think the design of this building is really beautiful.
2. 新しいシステムの設計に三か月かかった。 It took three months to design the new system.
3. 彼は橋の設計を専門にしている。 He specializes in bridge design.

Usage Guide

Context: architecture, engineering, business

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 設 (setsu, to establish/set up) and 計 (kei, to measure/plan). Together, 'establishing a measured plan' — a methodical approach to creating something.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal