在中国现代设计史的研究上,关于从西方文化而来的“Design”概念一直是个重要而且富有讨论空间的问题。今天中文以“设计”一词对译“Design”,这一翻译受到了来自于日本的影响。日本最初将“Design”翻译为“图案”,此词亦传播到中国。在20世纪中期,“工艺美术”代替此前采用的“图案”一词,并将一切与艺术设计相关的事项纳入其中。直到进入20世纪八十年代后,将“Design”译作“设计”又再流行。在20世纪里,“Design”的汉译发生了诸多变化,它的概念得到了更为明确的界定,内涵亦获得了适应时代需求的延伸,使得中国现代设计史的轮廓更加清晰。
In the research on modern China design history, the concept of "Design" from the Western culture played a meaningful and important role. Nowadays, the word "Design" have been translated into Chinese as "she ji", which came from Japanese translation. At first, it was translated as "tu an" in Japan and also used in China with "tu an". During the middle of 20th century, the word "gongyi meishu" (craft and fine arts) took the place of "tu an" and was popular in China. By 1980s, "she ji" replaced " Design" again. In the 20th century, the Chinese translation of "Design" had changed many times, the concept of "Design" was defined distinctly and its meaning was extended. The shape of modern China design history was becoming clearer.