Glossary
Grouped by what each term is for, not alphabetically. Japanese and European shops list kits in their own language, so every term is shown in four.
52 terms match
Building and tools
build out of the box
Assembling as the kit comes: no modification, no painting, no cementing.
- Chinese
- 素组
- English
- build out of the box
- German
- Japanese
- 素組み
sprue / runner
The plastic frame the parts are molded on. You cut the parts off it.
- Chinese
- 流道 / 浇口架
- English
- sprue / runner
- German
- Japanese
- ランナー
decal
A marking you soak in water and slide off the backing paper onto the model.
- Chinese
- 水贴
- English
- decal
- German
- Decals
- Japanese
- デカール
Liquid Decal Film (LDF)
A clear film brushed over a decal to hold a brittle decal together. If brushed over the whole sheet it joins into one piece, so cut the decals apart one by one (hobbyist experience).
- Chinese
- 水贴保护膜
- English
- Liquid Decal Film (LDF)
- German
- Japanese
kit
A model you assemble yourself from parts.
- Chinese
- 套件
- English
- kit
- German
- Bausatz
- Japanese
- キット
snap-fit
Parts join by tabs and sockets with no cement. Detail is often simplified and the plastic is often molded in the finished color (Wikipedia).
- Chinese
- 卡扣式
- English
- snap-fit
- German
- Japanese
cement-type
Parts are joined with solvent-type plastic cement, and harder kits also need painting.
- Chinese
- 胶水式
- English
- cement-type
- German
- Japanese
gate
The small section where a part connects to the sprue.
- Chinese
- 浇口
- English
- gate
- German
- Japanese
- ゲート
side cutters / nipper
Cutters made for taking parts off the sprue. Thin-blade types exist.
- Chinese
- 斜口钳
- English
- side cutters / nipper
- German
- Japanese
- ニッパー
two-step cut
Make a first cut a little away from the part, then a second cut close to it, to reduce whitening (Bandai tutorial).
- Chinese
- 二度切り
- English
- two-step cut
- German
- Japanese
- 二度切り
gate cleanup
Smoothing the leftover nub after cutting, with a file or similar.
- Chinese
- 浇口处理
- English
- gate cleanup
- German
- Japanese
- ゲート処理
touch gate
A kit designed so parts come off the sprue without nippers (Bandai Support Center).
- Chinese
- 触碰式浇口
- English
- touch gate
- German
- Japanese
- タッチゲート
skill level
Each maker sets its own difficulty number (Airfix 1 to 4; Revell suggests levels 1 to 2 for beginners). The scales are not shared between makers.
- Chinese
- 难度等级
- English
- skill level
- German
- Japanese
plastic cement
Solvent-type cement for plastic, such as Tamiya Cement and Extra-Thin Cement.
- Chinese
- 塑料胶
- English
- plastic cement
- German
- Japanese
- 接着剤
| Chinese | English | German | Japanese |
|---|---|---|---|
| 素组 Assembling as the kit comes: no modification, no painting, no cementing. | build out of the box | 素組み | |
| 流道 / 浇口架 The plastic frame the parts are molded on. You cut the parts off it. | sprue / runner | ランナー | |
| 水贴 A marking you soak in water and slide off the backing paper onto the model. | decal | Decals | デカール |
| 水贴保护膜 A clear film brushed over a decal to hold a brittle decal together. If brushed over the whole sheet it joins into one piece, so cut the decals apart one by one (hobbyist experience). | Liquid Decal Film (LDF) | ||
| 套件 A model you assemble yourself from parts. | kit | Bausatz | キット |
| 卡扣式 Parts join by tabs and sockets with no cement. Detail is often simplified and the plastic is often molded in the finished color (Wikipedia). | snap-fit | ||
| 胶水式 Parts are joined with solvent-type plastic cement, and harder kits also need painting. | cement-type | ||
| 浇口 The small section where a part connects to the sprue. | gate | ゲート | |
| 斜口钳 Cutters made for taking parts off the sprue. Thin-blade types exist. | side cutters / nipper | ニッパー | |
| 二度切り Make a first cut a little away from the part, then a second cut close to it, to reduce whitening (Bandai tutorial). | two-step cut | 二度切り | |
| 浇口处理 Smoothing the leftover nub after cutting, with a file or similar. | gate cleanup | ゲート処理 | |
| 触碰式浇口 A kit designed so parts come off the sprue without nippers (Bandai Support Center). | touch gate | タッチゲート | |
| 难度等级 Each maker sets its own difficulty number (Airfix 1 to 4; Revell suggests levels 1 to 2 for beginners). The scales are not shared between makers. | skill level | ||
| 塑料胶 Solvent-type cement for plastic, such as Tamiya Cement and Extra-Thin Cement. | plastic cement | 接着剤 |
Scales and grades
scale
The ratio of the model size to the original. At 1/72, 1 mm on the model stands for 72 mm on the original.
- Chinese
- 比例
- English
- scale
- German
- Japanese
- スケール（縮尺）
scale model kit
A plastic kit made at a fixed reduction scale, such as 1/72 or 1/35.
- Chinese
- 比例套件
- English
- scale model kit
- German
- Japanese
non-scale
A kit with no fixed scale, as the MODEROID product pages state it in the specifications.
- Chinese
- 不标比例
- English
- non-scale
- German
- Japanese
waterline
A ship model made only from the waterline up. Hasegawa, Tamiya and Fujimi have 1:700 series of this type.
- Chinese
- 水线舰船模型
- English
- waterline
- German
- Japanese
- 水線
finished length
The length of the finished model as stated on the maker's site. Check it before you buy.
- Chinese
- 成品全长
- English
- finished length
- German
- Japanese
- 完成時の全長
fit-the-box scale
A scale chosen so that boxes come out a similar size, so finished models with the same nominal scale can differ in size (Wikipedia).
- Chinese
- 装得进盒子的比例
- English
- fit-the-box scale
- German
- Japanese
grade
Bandai's series grades by scale and concept, such as PG, MG, RG and HG.
- Chinese
- 等级（Gunpla）
- English
- grade
- German
- Japanese
- グレード
| Chinese | English | German | Japanese |
|---|---|---|---|
| 比例 The ratio of the model size to the original. At 1/72, 1 mm on the model stands for 72 mm on the original. | scale | スケール（縮尺） | |
| 比例套件 A plastic kit made at a fixed reduction scale, such as 1/72 or 1/35. | scale model kit | ||
| 不标比例 A kit with no fixed scale, as the MODEROID product pages state it in the specifications. | non-scale | ||
| 水线舰船模型 A ship model made only from the waterline up. Hasegawa, Tamiya and Fujimi have 1:700 series of this type. | waterline | 水線 | |
| 成品全长 The length of the finished model as stated on the maker's site. Check it before you buy. | finished length | 完成時の全長 | |
| 装得进盒子的比例 A scale chosen so that boxes come out a similar size, so finished models with the same nominal scale can differ in size (Wikipedia). | fit-the-box scale | ||
| 等级（Gunpla） Bandai's series grades by scale and concept, such as PG, MG, RG and HG. | grade | グレード |
Box markings
original packaging
Original packaging (OVP in German). It does not mean new.
- Chinese
- 原包装
- English
- original packaging
- German
- OVP
- Japanese
item number / product code
A maker's own product number. Airfix numbers start with A, and the first two digits show the series.
- Chinese
- 货号
- English
- item number / product code
- German
- Art. Nr.
- Japanese
- 品番
Japanese Article Number
Japan's 13-digit product barcode, compatible with EAN, starting with 49 or 45 (Wikipedia).
- Chinese
- JAN 码
- English
- Japanese Article Number
- German
- Japanese
- JANコード
glue and paints not included
A note that cement and paint are not in the box and must be bought separately. The wording differs between makers.
- Chinese
- 胶水涂料不含
- English
- glue and paints not included
- German
- Klebstoff und Farben (nicht enthalten)
- Japanese
- 接着剤別売
scheme / marking option
The painting and marking versions you can choose from in one kit.
- Chinese
- 涂装方案
- English
- scheme / marking option
- German
- Japanese
| Chinese | English | German | Japanese |
|---|---|---|---|
| 原包装 Original packaging (OVP in German). It does not mean new. | original packaging | OVP | |
| 货号 A maker's own product number. Airfix numbers start with A, and the first two digits show the series. | item number / product code | Art. Nr. | 品番 |
| JAN 码 Japan's 13-digit product barcode, compatible with EAN, starting with 49 or 45 (Wikipedia). | Japanese Article Number | JANコード | |
| 胶水涂料不含 A note that cement and paint are not in the box and must be bought separately. The wording differs between makers. | glue and paints not included | Klebstoff und Farben (nicht enthalten) | 接着剤別売 |
| 涂装方案 The painting and marking versions you can choose from in one kit. | scheme / marking option |
Brands and releases
regular (continuously produced) product
Tamiya's official definition: a product kept in continuous production and sold in model shops.
- Chinese
- 定番 / 常规产品
- English
- regular (continuously produced) product
- German
- Japanese
- 定番製品
special reissue
Tamiya: a discontinued product produced once more on special sale, not in continuous production.
- Chinese
- 特别销售（停产品再生产）
- English
- special reissue
- German
- Japanese
- 特別販売製品
special planned release
Tamiya: a product produced and sold again at planned intervals.
- Chinese
- 特别企画
- English
- special planned release
- German
- Japanese
- 特別企画製品
limited edition
Tamiya: limited in quantity or period and not produced again.
- Chinese
- 限定产品
- English
- limited edition
- German
- Japanese
- 限定製品
reissue / re-release
Makers use different words. If the official site does not announce a reissue, treat it as undecided.
- Chinese
- 再版 / 再生产
- English
- reissue / re-release
- German
- Japanese
- 再販・再生産
import agent
A company that sells foreign brands in Japan, such as Hasegawa for Revell and ICM.
- Chinese
- 进口代理
- English
- import agent
- German
- Japanese
- 輸入代理店
rebox
The same kit sold in another brand's box. This is how this site uses the word, and maker pages do not use it.
- Chinese
- 换盒
- English
- rebox
- German
- Japanese
Limited Edition
Eduard's kit series on its site that includes plastic parts from its own molds and from other makers.
- Chinese
- 限定版
- English
- Limited Edition
- German
- Japanese
Tamiya Italeri Series
Tamiya's section for the Italeri kits it distributes.
- Chinese
- Tamiya Italeri 系列
- English
- Tamiya Italeri Series
- German
- Japanese
- タミヤ イタレリシリーズ
new tool
A label on maker product pages with no common definition.
- Chinese
- 新模具
- English
- new tool
- German
- New Tool
- Japanese
- 新金型
| Chinese | English | German | Japanese |
|---|---|---|---|
| 定番 / 常规产品 Tamiya's official definition: a product kept in continuous production and sold in model shops. | regular (continuously produced) product | 定番製品 | |
| 特别销售（停产品再生产） Tamiya: a discontinued product produced once more on special sale, not in continuous production. | special reissue | 特別販売製品 | |
| 特别企画 Tamiya: a product produced and sold again at planned intervals. | special planned release | 特別企画製品 | |
| 限定产品 Tamiya: limited in quantity or period and not produced again. | limited edition | 限定製品 | |
| 再版 / 再生产 Makers use different words. If the official site does not announce a reissue, treat it as undecided. | reissue / re-release | 再販・再生産 | |
| 进口代理 A company that sells foreign brands in Japan, such as Hasegawa for Revell and ICM. | import agent | 輸入代理店 | |
| 换盒 The same kit sold in another brand's box. This is how this site uses the word, and maker pages do not use it. | rebox | ||
| 限定版 Eduard's kit series on its site that includes plastic parts from its own molds and from other makers. | Limited Edition | ||
| Tamiya Italeri 系列 Tamiya's section for the Italeri kits it distributes. | Tamiya Italeri Series | タミヤ イタレリシリーズ | |
| 新模具 A label on maker product pages with no common definition. | new tool | New Tool | 新金型 |
Buying and authenticity
lottery sale
Premium Bandai: a lottery first, and only winners can buy.
- Chinese
- 抽选销售
- English
- lottery sale
- German
- Japanese
- 抽選販売
pre-order item
An item taken as a pre-order for a stated delivery month. It cannot be ordered after the deadline and cannot be canceled.
- Chinese
- 预约商品
- English
- pre-order item
- German
- Japanese
- 予約商品
made-to-order item
Produced only after the order is received. It cannot be canceled.
- Chinese
- 受注生产品
- English
- made-to-order item
- German
- Japanese
- 受注生産品
request sale
Production is promised only if the number of requests reaches a target.
- Chinese
- 请求销售
- English
- request sale
- German
- Japanese
- リクエスト販売
sealed / unopened
Suruga-ya: the shrink wrap cannot be restored once opened. Not exactly the same as unused.
- Chinese
- 未开封
- English
- sealed / unopened
- German
- Japanese
- 未開封
junk / for parts
Second-hand shops usually do not accept returns or claims on these.
- Chinese
- 垃圾品（零件/故障品）
- English
- junk / for parts
- German
- Japanese
- ジャンク
missing item
An item that should come with the kit is missing.
- Chinese
- 欠品
- English
- missing item
- German
- Japanese
- 欠品
New in Box (NIB)
New in Box (NIB). The packaging may already be open (a seller's tutorial usage, not official).
- Chinese
- 盒装全新
- English
- New in Box (NIB)
- German
- Japanese
Delivered Duty Paid (DDP)
Delivered Duty Paid: the seller pays import duties in advance, so the buyer pays nothing more on delivery.
- Chinese
- 预付进口税费（卖家付）
- English
- Delivered Duty Paid (DDP)
- German
- Japanese
dimensional weight
Weight converted from volume by the carrier. The Japan Post EMS page does not mention it.
- Chinese
- 体积重
- English
- dimensional weight
- German
- Japanese
- 容積重量
counterfeit / imitation
Goods that use a maker's trademark or copy its products. Tamiya and Kotobukiya say officially that they give no support for them.
- Chinese
- 仿冒品
- English
- counterfeit / imitation
- German
- Japanese
- 偽造品・海賊版・模倣品
resin copy / pirated cast
A resin or plastic copy cast from an original. Most of what forums call counterfeit is of this kind.
- Chinese
- 翻模件
- English
- resin copy / pirated cast
- German
- Japanese
unassembled
Suruga-ya's definition: parts cut off the sprue still count as unassembled.
- Chinese
- 未组立
- English
- unassembled
- German
- Japanese
- 未組立
sprue-detached
Parts removed from the sprue but not assembled.
- Chinese
- 浇口架已剪（ランナー外れ）
- English
- sprue-detached
- German
- Japanese
- ランナー外れ
rank B
Suruga-ya: the kit is complete, but the outer box has damage that lowers its value.
- Chinese
- B 级品
- English
- rank B
- German
- Japanese
- ランクＢ
damaged item
Suruga-ya: the body, box, parts or accessories are damaged or missing.
- Chinese
- 破损品
- English
- damaged item
- German
- Japanese
- 破損品
| Chinese | English | German | Japanese |
|---|---|---|---|
| 抽选销售 Premium Bandai: a lottery first, and only winners can buy. | lottery sale | 抽選販売 | |
| 预约商品 An item taken as a pre-order for a stated delivery month. It cannot be ordered after the deadline and cannot be canceled. | pre-order item | 予約商品 | |
| 受注生产品 Produced only after the order is received. It cannot be canceled. | made-to-order item | 受注生産品 | |
| 请求销售 Production is promised only if the number of requests reaches a target. | request sale | リクエスト販売 | |
| 未开封 Suruga-ya: the shrink wrap cannot be restored once opened. Not exactly the same as unused. | sealed / unopened | 未開封 | |
| 垃圾品（零件/故障品） Second-hand shops usually do not accept returns or claims on these. | junk / for parts | ジャンク | |
| 欠品 An item that should come with the kit is missing. | missing item | 欠品 | |
| 盒装全新 New in Box (NIB). The packaging may already be open (a seller's tutorial usage, not official). | New in Box (NIB) | ||
| 预付进口税费（卖家付） Delivered Duty Paid: the seller pays import duties in advance, so the buyer pays nothing more on delivery. | Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) | ||
| 体积重 Weight converted from volume by the carrier. The Japan Post EMS page does not mention it. | dimensional weight | 容積重量 | |
| 仿冒品 Goods that use a maker's trademark or copy its products. Tamiya and Kotobukiya say officially that they give no support for them. | counterfeit / imitation | 偽造品・海賊版・模倣品 | |
| 翻模件 A resin or plastic copy cast from an original. Most of what forums call counterfeit is of this kind. | resin copy / pirated cast | ||
| 未组立 Suruga-ya's definition: parts cut off the sprue still count as unassembled. | unassembled | 未組立 | |
| 浇口架已剪（ランナー外れ） Parts removed from the sprue but not assembled. | sprue-detached | ランナー外れ | |
| B 级品 Suruga-ya: the kit is complete, but the outer box has damage that lowers its value. | rank B | ランクＢ | |
| 破损品 Suruga-ya: the body, box, parts or accessories are damaged or missing. | damaged item | 破損品 |