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.
Describing a country, region, or community that is not economically or socially advanced.
The most direct term for economic underdevelopment, often used in formal contexts like reports or academic writing.
この地域は低開発の状態にある。
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.
未開発の国々への支援が必要だ。
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.
発展途上国ではインフラが整っていない。
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.
その国の後進性が問題視されている。
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.
彼は精神的に未熟だ。
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.
この国の交通網は未発達だ。
This country's transportation network is underdeveloped.
Means not yet developed or not fully equipped, often used for infrastructure, facilities, or systems.
地方の道路は未整備のままです。
The rural roads remain underdeveloped.
Literally 'insufficient development', used when something has not progressed enough. Less common but clear in meaning.
技術の発展不足が問題だ。
The underdevelopment of technology is a problem.
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'.
低開発地域への投資が増えている。
Investment in underdeveloped regions is increasing.
未開発の森林が広がっている。
Undeveloped forests stretch out.
発展途上国への援助を行う。
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').
子供の言語能力が未発達である。
The child's language ability is underdeveloped.
His way of thinking is underdeveloped (childish).