Translation guide
The word "pending" describes something that is not yet decided, finished, or resolved. This guide covers how to express this concept naturally in Japanese, from formal written statuses to casual spoken phrases.
To describe a matter, application, or decision that is still under review or waiting for a final outcome.
Commonly used for matters put on hold or deferred, often in formal or business contexts. Implies a deliberate pause.
That matter is pending.
Literally 'not yet decided'. Used in formal or written contexts to indicate a decision has not been made.
The schedule is pending.
Means 'under consideration'. Often used in business to indicate something is being reviewed.
The proposal is currently pending.
Specifically for applications or documents under formal screening or examination.
The visa application is pending.
To describe tasks, issues, or items that remain unfinished or open.
Means 'unprocessed' or 'not yet handled'. Common in business for pending tasks or items.
To indicate that an activity or process has been paused and will resume later.
Used in legal, patent, or trademark contexts to mean 'awaiting final determination'.
The English word "pending" is often used as an adjective before a noun (e.g., "pending orders"). In Japanese, it is more natural to use a noun modifier like 未処理の or a relative clause such as 保留になっている. Direct translations like ペンディングの are not standard and may sound awkward.
保留 implies a deliberate hold or deferral, often with the intention to revisit later. 未決定 simply states that no decision has been made yet, without implying any action. Use 保留 when you want to emphasize that something is on hold, and 未決定 when you just want to say it's undecided.
未処理の注文が10件あります。
There are 10 pending orders.
Used for problems or issues that remain unresolved.
That issue is still pending.
Casual expression meaning 'half-done' or 'in progress'. Used for tasks left unfinished.
I have a lot of pending work.
Loanword from English, used in business contexts to mean 'pending' or 'on hold'.
Let's put this matter on pending.
Means 'interruption' or 'suspension'. Used when something is temporarily stopped.
Construction is pending.
Literally 'put on the shelf'. Means to shelve or postpone a plan or project.
The plan was put on pending.
Casual expression meaning 'put off' or 'postponed'. Often used in daily conversation.
The trip is pending.
Standard phrase for 'patent pending'. Used on products or in documentation.
This technology is patent pending.
Means 'pending litigation' or 'in dispute'. Used in legal contexts.
The case is pending.
The decision is still pending.
Neutral.