1.
undeveloped; uncivilized; primitive
A state of not yet being developed or civilized. Historically used to describe societies or regions considered primitive, though this usage is now seen as problematic and ethnocentric.
未開の地を探検する。
To explore uncharted land.
かつて「未開」と呼ばれた文化にも豊かな知恵がある。
Cultures once called 'uncivilized' also have rich wisdom.
2.
unexplored; untapped; undeveloped
Not yet explored, utilized, or developed. Used for land, resources, markets, or fields of study that have potential but remain untouched.
未開の地を探検する。
To explore uncharted land.
未開の森にはまだ発見されていない生物がいるかもしれない。
There may be undiscovered organisms in unexplored forests.
この分野はまだ未開拓だ。
This field is still unexplored.
深海は未開のフロンティアと言われている。
The deep sea is said to be an unexplored frontier.
未開の市場に参入するチャンスだ。
It's a chance to enter an untapped market.
When referring to peoples or cultures, 未開 carries colonial-era connotations and is considered offensive in modern usage. The "unexplored/untapped" sense (sense 2) remains common and neutral.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 未開の地 — unexplored land
- 未開の森 — virgin forest
- 未開拓 — undeveloped, unexploited
- 未開社会 — primitive society (dated/problematic)
RELATED WORDS:
- 未開拓 — undeveloped, unexploited
- 原始 — primitive, primeval
- 開拓 — pioneering, development