Learning how to express “in progress” in different languages allows you to articulate ongoing actions or situations effectively. In Japanese, there are various ways to convey this concept depending on the formality of the situation, and some regional variations may exist. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to express “in progress” and provide you with helpful tips and examples.
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions:
When you need to express “in progress” in a formal setting or with someone of higher social status, it is essential to utilize proper honorifics and polite language. Here are a few formal ways to achieve this:
1. 進行中 (Shinkō-chū)
進行中 is the most common and straightforward way to express “in progress” formally in Japanese. It is often used in formal contexts, such as business meetings, presentations, or official reports. This phrase conveys the ongoing nature of an action or event.
Example: 会議は進行中です。(Kaigi wa shinkō-chū desu.) – The meeting is in progress.
2. 進めている最中 (Susumete iru saichū)
Another formal expression to convey “in progress” is 進めている最中. This phrase implies that a task or action is in the middle or midst of progress. It adds a sense of continuous advancement.
Example: プロジェクトは進めている最中です。(Purojekuto wa susumete iru saichū desu.) – The project is in progress.
Informal Expressions:
In more casual or informal situations, you can use simpler and less polite expressions to express “in progress.” Keep in mind that these might not be suitable for formal contexts.
3. やってる (Yatteru)
やってる is a frequently used casual expression to convey “in progress.” It is a contraction of やっている and is commonly used in daily conversations among friends, peers, or family members.
Example: レポートやってるから、ちょっと待って。(Repōto yatteru kara, chotto matte.) – I’m working on a report, so please wait a moment.
4. 進行している (Shinkō shite iru)
進行している is a slightly more polite way to express “in progress” casually. It is suitable for informal conversations, but still maintains a level of politeness.
Example: ゲームしているところなんだ、後で電話して。(Gēmu shite iru tokoro nan da, ato de denwa shite.) – I’m in the middle of playing a game, so call me later.
Tips for Using “In Progress” Expressions:
Tone and Context:
Japanese is a language heavily influenced by contextual cues and appropriate levels of politeness. When using expressions related to “in progress,” it is important to consider your tone and the formality of your conversation to avoid sounding too formal or overly casual.
Adding Politeness:
If you need to make the informal expressions more polite, you can add です (desu) at the end, which is a polite copula in Japanese. This helps maintain a respectful tone.
Example: パーティの準備はもう進んでいるんです。(Pāti no junbi wa mō susunde iru n desu.) – The party preparations are already in progress.
Avoiding Overuse:
While it’s important to understand how to say “in progress” in Japanese, try not to overuse it. In some cases, it might be more natural to mention the specific action or task you are doing instead of always relying on generic expressions like “in progress.”
Conclusion
Congratulations! You now have a better understanding of how to express “in progress” in Japanese. Remember to adapt your choice of expressions based on the formality of the situation and the level of politeness required. Practice these expressions in various contexts, and soon you’ll be confidently expressing ongoing actions like a native Japanese speaker!
