How to say "half-baked" in Japanese

Choosing the right word
  • 中途半端ちゅうとはんぱCommon
    na-adjective, no-adjectiveCovers the 'incomplete, half measures' sense: a plan or piece of work that stops halfway and is left unfinished. It criticizes efforts that are never carried through to completion.
    仕事しごとを中途半端ちゅうとはんぱにするな。↗
    Don't leave your work half done.
  • いい加減いいかげんJLPT N1approx.Common
    na-adjectiveCovers the 'halfhearted, lukewarm' sense: an attitude, answer, or approach that is vague and not seriously meant. For a plan or task that is literally left unfinished, this is not the word you want.

Use 中途半端 for plans, work, or measures that are left half-done or incomplete, and 「いい加減」 for attitudes, answers, or efforts that are halfhearted, lukewarm, or vague rather than unfinished.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

Japanese equivalents
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JLPT vocabulary levels are community estimates, not official (no official lists have been published since the 2010 revision).

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