Translation guide
How to express that something is not yet completed, still in progress, or left undone in Japanese.
Describing a task, project, or action that has not been finished.
The most common way to say something is not yet done. Uses the て-form of the verb + いない (negative of いる).
I haven't written the report yet.
Referring to tasks or items that still need to be done.
Literally 'is remaining', used for things left to do or unfinished business.
Emphasizing that an action has not even begun.
Same pattern as above, but with verbs like 始める (to start). Context clarifies it's not started.
I haven't started yet.
Directly translating 'unfinished' as 未完成の may sound unnatural in casual speech. Use まだ〜ていない for everyday situations.
I haven't finished my coffee yet. (Not: 私のコーヒーは未完成です)
宿題がまだ終わっていない。
My homework isn't finished yet.
A noun meaning 'incomplete' or 'unfinished', often used for projects, artworks, or products.
This work remains unfinished.
Describes something left half-done, incomplete, or half-hearted. Often carries a negative nuance of being unsatisfactory.
I don't want to do a half-finished job.
There are still things left to do.
A lot of unfinished work remains.
A noun meaning 'half-done' or 'in the middle of doing'. Often used for interrupted tasks.
There's an unfinished puzzle on the table.
Formal term meaning 'not yet started' or 'untouched', used in business or project management.
That matter is still untouched.