JLPT · Level 93
45 words
Japanese word
未開
Pronunciation
Romajimikai
Meaning
- nounundeveloped
Example
この地域はまだ未開のままです。ko no chi iki wa ma da mi kai no ma ma de su
This area is still undeveloped.
More examples
探検家たちは未開の地域を地図に記録しました。tan ken ka ta chi wa mi kai no chi iki o chi zu ni ki roku shi ma shi ta
The explorers mapped the undeveloped region.
Core concept
Presents a place or society as remaining at an early stage of social, cultural, or industrial development.
Common phrases
未開の地mi kai no chi
undeveloped land
未開の地域mi kai no chi iki
undeveloped region
未開の社会mi kai no sha kai
primitive society
Similar words
未開発mikaihatsu: A state in which land or resources have not been developed for practical use.
未開拓mikaitaku: A state in which land, resources, or a field has not yet been explored or used.
Definition in Japanese
文明や産業などの発達がまだ十分でなく、近代化されていない状態。bun mei ya san gyō na do no hat tatsu ga ma da jū bun de na ku kin dai ka sa re te i na i jō tai
Word origin
The word combines 未 (mi, "not yet") with 開 (kai, "open" or "develop"), so its structure conveys the idea of development that has not yet occurred.
Usage tips
- English learners may associate this word with undeveloped land, but its use for people or societies can sound old-fashioned or judgmental.
Other meanings
- primitivenoun
- uncivilizednoun
Opposites
- 開化kaikaenlightenmentnoun
- 文明bunmeicivilizationnoun
Related words
- 未開化mikaikalack of civilizationnoun
- 未開性mikaiseiprimitivenessnoun