Translation guide
Describes something not yet fully grown, advanced, or exploited. Covers physical, economic, and abstract immaturity.
To say that a living thing, body part, or natural feature has not reached its full size or maturity.
General term for underdevelopment in physical or functional sense. Commonly used for muscles, organs, or children's growth.
彼の筋肉はまだ未発達だ。
His muscles are still undeveloped.
Phrase meaning 'not developed', often used in medical or educational contexts.
この子の言語能力はまだ発達していない。
This child's language skills are still undeveloped.
Literally 'unripe', used for immature fruits or metaphorically for skills/personality. Less common for physical growth.
未熟な果実は食べられない。
Undeveloped fruit cannot be eaten.
To describe ideas, plans, skills, or systems that are in early stages and lack detail or sophistication.
Also used for abstract underdevelopment, such as technology or social systems.
その国の交通網は未発達だ。
The country's transportation network is undeveloped.
Emphasizes lack of maturity or polish in skills, ideas, or character. Often used for people.
彼の計画はまだ未熟だ。
His plan is still undeveloped.
Means 'developing' or 'in the process of development'. Often used for countries, but can apply to projects.
この技術はまだ発展途上だ。
This technology is still undeveloped.
To say that land, natural resources, or potential have not been used or developed.
Specifically for land, resources, or areas that have not been developed or exploited.
その島は未開発のまま残っている。
The island remains undeveloped.
Means 'untouched' or 'pristine', often for nature or resources that have not been altered by humans.
Means 'unused' or 'unutilized', often for resources or potential. More technical.
未利用のエネルギー資源が豊富だ。
There are abundant undeveloped energy resources.
To describe photographic film that has not been developed.
Technical term for undeveloped film.
未現像のフィルムを現像に出した。
I sent the undeveloped film to be developed.
Plain phrase meaning 'not developed', used in everyday conversation.
まだ現像していない写真がある。
There are still undeveloped photos.
未発達 (みはったつ) is for growth/development of living things or functions. 未開発 (みかいはつ) is for land/resources. 未熟 (みじゅく) is for immaturity of skills or character.
手つかずの自然が広がっている。
Undeveloped nature stretches out.