Translation guide
The English word "ongoing" describes something that is continuing, in progress, or not yet finished. In Japanese, there is no single direct equivalent; instead, various expressions are used depending on whether you are describing an event, a state, a project, or a situation. This guide covers the most natural ways to express "ongoing" in different contexts.
To say that an action or event is currently happening and has not finished.
The te-iru form of a verb indicates an ongoing action or a state resulting from an action. For dynamic verbs, it means 'is doing'; for change-of-state verbs, it means 'has done and the result remains'. This is the most common way to express ongoing actions.
会議はまだ続いている。
The meeting is still ongoing.
He is talking on the phone right now.
Emphasizes that an action is in the middle of happening right now. More explicit than plain te-iru.
今、資料を準備しているところです。
We are in the middle of preparing the documents right now.
A formal, written expression meaning 'is in the process of doing'. Often used for gradual changes or developments.
経済は回復しつつある。
The economy is gradually recovering.
To describe a state or situation that continues over a period of time.
Means 'in progress' or 'ongoing'. Often used in formal or written contexts, such as on signs, in reports, or in official announcements.
Means 'in progress' or 'underway'. Similar to 継続中 but often implies active progression toward a goal. Common in project management.
プロジェクトは現在進行中です。
The project is currently ongoing.
The te-iru form of 続く (to continue). Used for states or situations that are continuing. More conversational than 継続中.
雨がずっと続いている。
The rain has been ongoing.
その問題はまだ続いている。
That problem is still ongoing.
To refer to a project, task, or work that is not yet completed.
As above, but specifically for projects or tasks. Often used with プロジェクト or 作業.
その計画はまだ進行中です。
That plan is still ongoing.
Literally 'not yet finished'. A very natural, conversational way to say something is ongoing.
レポートはまだ終わっていない。
The report is still ongoing (not finished).
Means 'work in progress'. Often used for physical or digital tasks, like maintenance or editing.
このページは作業中です。
This page is a work in progress (ongoing).
To describe a problem, dispute, or issue that has not been resolved.
Means 'unresolved' or 'pending'. Commonly used for problems, cases, or mysteries.
その事件は未解決のままだ。
That case remains ongoing (unsolved).
A more conversational way to say 'not yet resolved'.
その問題はまだ解決していない。
That problem is still ongoing (unresolved).
To describe a continuing relationship, membership, or subscription.
The te-iru form of 続ける (to continue doing). Used when someone is continuing an activity or state.
彼はそのクラブに通い続けている。
He has an ongoing commitment to that club (continues to attend).
An adjective meaning 'continuous' or 'ongoing'. Used to modify nouns like 関係 (relationship) or 支援 (support).
継続的な関係を築きたい。
We want to build an ongoing relationship.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all uses of 'ongoing'. Using a dictionary translation like 進行中の for every situation can sound unnatural. Choose the expression based on what is ongoing: an action, a state, a project, etc.
Both mean 'in progress', but 継続中 emphasizes continuation of a state, while 進行中 emphasizes active progression. For a long-term investigation, 継続中 is better; for a construction project moving toward completion, 進行中 is more natural.