Translation guide
The English phrase 'in progress' indicates that something is currently underway, not yet finished. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various grammatical patterns and set phrases depending on whether you're talking about an ongoing action, a project, or a state of being in the middle of something.
The meeting is in progress.
Formal, common in business.
Work is in progress.
Often seen on signs or in status updates.
To say that an action, event, or process is currently happening or underway.
This pattern emphasizes that an action is in the middle of happening right now. It's often used when you want to stress the current stage of an action.
The meeting is in progress right now.
He is in the middle of doing his homework.
This pattern means 'in the middle of doing something' and is often used for actions that are currently in progress, sometimes with a nuance of being interrupted or ongoing when something else happens.
The basic progressive form simply states that an action is ongoing. It's the most common way to say something is in progress, but it doesn't carry the same emphasis as ところ or 最中.
The construction is still in progress.
To describe the status of a project, task, or work as being underway, not yet completed.
This is a common noun phrase meaning 'in progress' or 'underway'. It's often used in formal or business contexts to describe projects, construction, or plans.
The project is currently in progress.
Road work in progress
Means 'in progress' or 'being implemented', often used for plans, policies, or systematic activities.
Literally 'work in progress', used for manual or technical work, often seen on signs or in status updates.
Work is currently in progress.
To express being in the middle of a state, change, or process that is not yet complete.
This pattern means 'in the middle of N' and is used for processes, journeys, or tasks that are not yet finished.
I'm still in the middle of my trip. (The trip is in progress.)
The problem is in the process of being resolved.
A formal, written pattern indicating that a change or process is gradually progressing. Often used for societal or natural changes.
The economy is in the process of recovering.
進行中 (しんこうちゅう) is the most general term for 'in progress' and can be used for projects, events, or abstract processes. 実施中 (じっしちゅう) specifically means 'being implemented' and is used for plans, policies, or systematic activities. 作業中 (さぎょうちゅう) refers to physical or technical work in progress, like construction or maintenance.
Do not directly translate 'in progress' as 進歩中 (しんぽちゅう) or プログレス中. These are not natural Japanese. Use the patterns and phrases provided instead.
The phone rang while I was in the middle of eating.
Preparations are in progress right now.
調査が進んでいます。
The investigation is in progress.
The new system is currently in progress.