Translation guide
A nation with a less developed industrial base and a lower Human Development Index. In Japanese, the most common and neutral term is 発展途上国. Other terms exist with different nuances, including some that are now considered outdated or euphemistic.
The standard, neutral way to refer to a developing country in most contexts.
The most common and neutral term. Literally 'developing country'. Used in news, academic writing, and everyday conversation.
In many developing countries, economic growth is continuing.
Support for developing countries is necessary.
A synonym for 発展途上国, often used in official contexts like UN documents. Slightly more formal.
Poverty reduction in developing countries is an important issue.
Terms that avoid the hierarchical implication of 'developing', often used in international diplomacy.
Refers to 'emerging countries' with rapidly growing economies, like BRICS nations. Not used for the poorest countries.
Investment in emerging markets is increasing.
An abbreviation of 発展途上国 or 開発途上国. Common in news headlines and informal speech.
A more descriptive phrase meaning 'countries that are in the process of developing'. Used to soften the label.
Terms that were once common but are now considered condescending or inaccurate. Use with caution, if at all.
Both mean 'developing country' and are often interchangeable. 発展途上国 is more common in general use, while 開発途上国 is preferred in some official documents (e.g., JICA uses 開発途上国). The difference is subtle and not critical for learners.
後進国 (backward country) is now considered offensive. Even if you encounter it in older texts, do not use it to refer to modern nations.
途上国の子供たちに教育を。
Education for children in developing countries.
Strengthen cooperation with countries that are developing.
An older term meaning 'underdeveloped country'. Largely replaced by 発展途上国.
Sounds outdated and may carry negative connotations.
The term 'underdeveloped country' is not used much nowadays.