Translation guide
Describes something that is not refined, not shiny, or not finished. Covers literal surfaces (unpolished rice, unpolished stone) and figurative lack of sophistication (unpolished manners, unpolished writing).
Describing a surface that has not been polished, buffed, or smoothed.
The most direct way to say 'unpolished' for surfaces. Literally 'have not polished'. Use this for things like unpolished floors, stones, or metal.
この床はまだ磨いていない。
This floor is still unpolished.
Passive form meaning 'has not been polished'. Slightly more formal or objective than 磨いていない.
磨かれていない石はざらざらしている。
Unpolished stones are rough.
Technical term meaning 'unpolished' or 'unground', used in manufacturing or gemology. Not for everyday conversation.
未研磨のレンズは使用できません。
Unpolished lenses cannot be used.
Specifically referring to rice that has not been milled to remove the bran.
The standard word for unpolished or brown rice. Used in cooking and health contexts.
健康のために玄米を食べている。
I eat unpolished rice for my health.
Descriptive phrase: 'rice that has not been polished'. Clear but wordy.
精白していない米は栄養が豊富だ。
Unpolished rice is rich in nutrients.
Describing a person, skill, or work that is rough, crude, or not yet perfected.
Means 'unrefined' or 'unsophisticated'. Used for manners, taste, writing style, etc. A safe, common choice.
彼の話し方はまだ洗練されていない。
His way of speaking is still unpolished.
Literally 'rough-hewn'. Implies something is unpolished but has potential or raw energy. Often positive in a 'diamond in the rough' sense.
彼の演技はまだ粗削りだが、才能を感じる。
His acting is still unpolished, but I can sense his talent.
Means 'unpolished' in the sense of lacking urbanity or style. Often used for appearance or demeanor. Slightly negative.
彼女はまだ垢抜けないけど、かわいい。
She's still unpolished, but cute.
Means 'immature' or 'unskilled'. Focuses on lack of experience or development. Common for skills.
未熟な文章で申し訳ありません。
I apologize for my unpolished writing.
Means 'unrefined', 'uncouth', or 'rustic'. Stronger negative nuance, implying lack of taste or sophistication. Use carefully.
Describing a person or thing with great potential that hasn't been developed yet.
Literally 'rough gemstone'. Used metaphorically for a person with raw talent. Very common and positive.
彼はまだ原石だが、将来が楽しみだ。
He's still an unpolished gem, but I'm excited about his future.
Specifically 'diamond in the rough'. A set phrase for someone with hidden brilliance.
あの新人はダイヤの原石だ。
That newcomer is a diamond in the rough.
粗削り (arakuzuri) often has a positive nuance of 'unpolished but promising', while 洗練されていない (senren sarete inai) is neutral or slightly negative, simply stating a lack of refinement. Use 粗削り for talent or potential, and 洗練されていない for general lack of polish.
Do not use 磨いていない (migaite inai) for abstract concepts like 'unpolished manners'. It sounds like you physically didn't polish something. Use 洗練されていない or 粗削り instead.
その服はちょっと野暮ったいね。
Those clothes are a bit unpolished, aren't they?