Translation guide
The English word "developing" can refer to growth, creation, emergence, or processing. This guide covers natural Japanese equivalents for each meaning, from economic development to film processing.
Describing something that is in the process of growth or improvement, such as a country, economy, or personal skill.
Used specifically for 'developing countries' or 'developing economies'. It literally means 'on the way to development'.
発展途上国では、経済成長が急速に進んでいる。
In developing countries, economic growth is progressing rapidly.
Means 'in the process of developing' and can be used more broadly than just countries, e.g., for projects or technologies.
発展中の技術はまだ実用化されていない。
The developing technology has not yet been put to practical use.
Emphasizes growth, often used for living things, businesses, or personal skills.
彼女は成長中のアーティストだ。
She is a developing artist.
Referring to the process of making a new product, system, or idea.
The most common term for developing products, software, or real estate. It implies active creation or engineering.
開発中のアプリは来月リリース予定だ。
The developing app is scheduled for release next month.
Used for creative works like films, music, or art that are in production.
制作中の映画について詳しくは話せない。
I can't talk in detail about the developing film.
Describing something that is starting to happen or become known, often used for issues, crises, or trends.
Means 'ongoing' or 'in progress', suitable for developing situations like investigations or diseases.
進行中の調査についてコメントは控えます。
I will refrain from commenting on the developing investigation.
A formal expression meaning 'is developing', often used in news or reports for evolving situations.
事態は急速に発展しつつある。
The situation is developing rapidly.
The chemical process of making pictures from film negatives.
The standard term for developing film. Can be used as a noun or with する to mean 'to develop'.
フィルムの現像には数日かかります。
Developing the film takes a few days.
Gradually forming something abstract like a habit, skill, or relationship.
Means 'to acquire' or 'to develop' a skill or habit. Literally 'to attach to one's body'.
良い習慣を身につけるのは時間がかかる。
Developing good habits takes time.
Used for building relationships, trust, or reputation over time.
While 発展する can mean 'to develop', it is not always natural. For product development, use 開発する. For film, use 現像する. For personal skills, use 身につける or 成長する.
Developing a relationship of trust is important.