Translation guide
The state of being not fully developed, often referring to economic, social, or physical growth. In Japanese, the translation depends on the context: economic underdevelopment, personal immaturity, or insufficient progress.
This region is in a state of underdevelopment.
Literally 'undeveloped', often used for land or resources that have not been developed at all, but can also refer to economic underdevelopment.
Support for underdeveloped countries is necessary.
Means 'developing' and is the standard term for 'developing countries' (発展途上国). It implies a process of development rather than a static state.
In developing countries, infrastructure is not well-established.
Refers to backwardness or underdevelopment in a comparative sense, often used in economic or technological contexts. Can carry a negative connotation.
The country's underdevelopment is seen as a problem.
Describing a person who is not fully mature emotionally, intellectually, or socially.
Means immature or unripe, commonly used for skills, personality, or emotional development.
He is emotionally underdeveloped.
Literally 'underdeveloped', used for physical, mental, or emotional growth. Often used in medical or psychological contexts.
Means childish or infantile, often used negatively to describe immature behavior or thinking.
Describing something that is not fully developed or advanced in a particular area.
General term for underdevelopment of a system, organ, or skill. Neutral and widely applicable.
This country's transportation network is underdeveloped.
Means not yet developed or not fully equipped, often used for infrastructure, facilities, or systems.
Literally 'insufficient development', used when something has not progressed enough. Less common but clear in meaning.
低開発 (teikaihatsu) emphasizes a low level of development, often used in economic contexts. 未開発 (mikaihatsu) means completely undeveloped, like untouched land. 発展途上 (hatten tojō) means 'in the process of developing' and is the standard term for 'developing countries'.
Investment in underdeveloped regions is increasing.
Undeveloped forests stretch out.
Provide aid to developing countries.
Do not translate 'underdevelopment' as 下開発 or similar. The concept is expressed with prefixes like 未 (mi-, 'not yet') or 低 (tei-, 'low'), or with phrases like 発展途上 (hatten tojō, 'on the way to development').
The child's language ability is underdeveloped.
彼の考え方は幼稚だ。
His way of thinking is underdeveloped (childish).
The rural roads remain underdeveloped.
The underdevelopment of technology is a problem.