意 匠(いしょう)

いしょう

noun

design, artistic conception

formalwrittenlegaltechnicalart

See also: 衣装(いしょう) (costume, outfit (衣装))

1. design, artistic conception, creative design

The creative design or artistic conception behind a product, building, artwork, or other creation. Emphasizes the aesthetic and inventive aspects of design rather than merely technical specifications.

意匠(いしょう)を凝(こ)らす。

To put careful thought into the design.

この建物(たてもの)は独特(どくとく)な意匠(いしょう)で知(し)られている。

This building is known for its distinctive design.

伝統(でんとう)的(てき)な日本(にほん)の意匠(いしょう)を取(と)り入(い)れた現代(げんだい)建築(けんちく)が国内外(こくないがい)で注目(ちゅうもく)を集(あつ)めている。

Modern architecture that incorporates traditional Japanese design is attracting attention both domestically and abroad.

Usage

意匠(いしょう) is a formal word for design that emphasizes creativity and aesthetic vision. It is used in architecture, art, industrial design, and intellectual property law.

In legal contexts, 意匠(いしょう) specifically refers to a registered design (industrial design right), similar to a design patent.

Common collocations

意匠(いしょう)を凝(こ)らす: to put elaborate thought into the design
意匠(いしょう)登録(とうろく): design registration (legal)
意匠(いしょう)権(けん): design right, design patent
意匠(いしょう)設計(せっけい): design planning

Similar words

意匠(いしょう): design (artistic, creative — formal)
デザイン: design (loanword, everyday)
設計(せっけい): design, planning (technical, structural)
図案(ずあん): pattern design, graphic design

Related Words

Compare: デザイン (design (everyday))

Compare: 設計(せっけい) (technical design)

Compare: 図案(ずあん) (pattern design, graphic design)

general

Added 2026.2.22 14:52 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

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