Translation guide
The word "pending" describes something that is not yet decided, finished, or resolved. This guide covers how to express this concept naturally in Japanese, from formal written statuses to casual spoken phrases.
To describe a matter, application, or decision that is still under review or waiting for a final outcome.
Commonly used for matters put on hold or deferred, often in formal or business contexts. Implies a deliberate pause.
その案件は保留になっています。
That matter is pending.
Literally 'not yet decided'. Used in formal or written contexts to indicate a decision has not been made.
日程は未決定です。
The schedule is pending.
Means 'under consideration'. Often used in business to indicate something is being reviewed.
その提案は現在検討中です。
The proposal is currently pending.
Specifically for applications or documents under formal screening or examination.
ビザの申請は審査中です。
The visa application is pending.
To describe tasks, issues, or items that remain unfinished or open.
Means 'unprocessed' or 'not yet handled'. Common in business for pending tasks or items.
未処理の注文が10件あります。
There are 10 pending orders.
Used for problems or issues that remain unresolved.
Casual expression meaning 'half-done' or 'in progress'. Used for tasks left unfinished.
やりかけの仕事がたくさんある。
I have a lot of pending work.
Loanword from English, used in business contexts to mean 'pending' or 'on hold'.
To indicate that an activity or process has been paused and will resume later.
Means 'interruption' or 'suspension'. Used when something is temporarily stopped.
工事は中断されています。
Construction is pending.
Literally 'put on the shelf'. Means to shelve or postpone a plan or project.
Casual expression meaning 'put off' or 'postponed'. Often used in daily conversation.
Used in legal, patent, or trademark contexts to mean 'awaiting final determination'.
Standard phrase for 'patent pending'. Used on products or in documentation.
この技術は特許出願中です。
This technology is patent pending.
Means 'pending litigation' or 'in dispute'. Used in legal contexts.
その事件は係争中です。
The case is pending.
The English word "pending" is often used as an adjective before a noun (e.g., "pending orders"). In Japanese, it is more natural to use a noun modifier like 未処理の or a relative clause such as 保留になっている. Direct translations like ペンディングの are not standard and may sound awkward.
保留 implies a deliberate hold or deferral, often with the intention to revisit later. 未決定 simply states that no decision has been made yet, without implying any action. Use 保留 when you want to emphasize that something is on hold, and 未決定 when you just want to say it's undecided.
その問題はまだ未解決です。
That issue is still pending.
Let's put this matter on pending.
その計画は棚上げになった。
The plan was put on pending.
旅行はお預けだ。
The trip is pending.