This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B1 noun #9,000 most common 11 min read

〜かけ

kake Top 9,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 〜かけ in 30 Seconds

Explanation 〜かけ in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn basic Japanese verbs. You might not use '〜かけ' (kake) very often yourself, but you might see it in simple words like 'tabekake' (half-eaten). Think of it as a special way to describe something that isn't finished. In English, we say 'half-eaten' or 'half-finished.' In Japanese, we take the verb (like 'taberu' for eat), take away the 'ru', and add 'kake'. So 'tabe' + 'kake' = 'tabekake'. It's like a label for something you started but stopped doing. You might see this on a snack you didn't finish. Just remember: it means 'I started this, but I'm not done yet!' It is a very useful word to know when you are looking at things around your house or classroom that are still being worked on.

At the A2 level, you can begin to use '〜かけ' to describe your daily life. It's a great way to talk about 'half-finished' tasks. To make it, you use the Masu-stem of a verb and add 'kake'. For example, with 'yomu' (to read), the Masu-form is 'yomimasu'. Take the 'yomi' and add 'kake' to get 'yomikake'. You use the particle 'no' to connect it to a noun: 'yomikake no hon' (a half-read book). This is very helpful when you want to tell someone, 'Don't throw that away, I'm still reading it!' You can also use it for drinks: 'nomikake no kōhī' (half-drunk coffee). It helps you be more specific about the things around you. It's much more natural than saying 'mada owatteinai hon' (a book not yet finished).

At the B1 level, '〜かけ' becomes an important tool for more nuanced descriptions. You should understand that it implies an action was interrupted or is currently paused. It's not just that something isn't finished; it's that the process has already begun. You can use it with a wider variety of verbs, such as 'tsukuru' (to make) to get 'tsukurikake' (half-made) or 'kaku' (to write) to get 'kakikake' (half-written). You will also see it used as a verb form: '〜かける'. For example, 'ii-kakeru' means 'to start to say something (and then stop).' This is very common in stories and conversations when someone is hesitant. You should also be able to distinguish '〜かけ' from '〜途中' (tochū), where 'kake' focuses on the physical state of the object and 'tochū' focuses on the point in time.

At the B2 level, you can use '〜かけ' to describe more abstract or complex transitions. Beyond just 'half-eaten' food, you can describe things like 'wasure-kake no nōto' (notes you've started to forget/neglect) or 'kare-kake no hana' (flowers that have started to wither). At this level, you should also be comfortable with the '〜かけの' and '〜かけだ' structures in formal and informal registers. You might encounter it in professional settings when discussing 'yarikake no shigoto' (work in progress). It's important to understand the nuance of intent: '〜かけ' often implies that the person doing the action intended to finish it, or that a natural process is halfway through. You can also use it to describe a state that almost happened but was averted, particularly with the verb 'shini-kakeru' (to almost die/be on the verge of death).

At the C1 level, you should master the subtle narrative and emotional uses of '〜かけ'. It is often used in literature to describe a liminal state—things that are neither here nor there. For instance, 'ii-kakete yameta' captures a precise moment of hesitation or self-censorship that is very common in Japanese social interaction. You should be able to use '〜かけ' to add texture to your descriptions, such as 'tsukai-kake no keshigomu' (a half-used eraser) which evokes a sense of daily life and history. You should also be aware of how '〜かけ' contrasts with '〜つつある' (which is more for ongoing, often societal or large-scale changes) and '〜っぱなし' (which implies leaving something in an improper or messy state). Your use of '〜かけ' should feel natural and help you avoid overly wordy relative clauses.

At the C2 level, your understanding of '〜かけ' should be near-native, including its use in poetic, archaic, or highly specific contexts. You can appreciate how the suffix transforms a verb into a noun that carries the 'scent' of the previous action. You might use it to discuss the philosophical state of objects or the 'unfinishedness' of human endeavors. At this level, you can perfectly distinguish between '〜しかける' (starting an action), '〜かけている' (in the state of having started), and '〜かけの' (modifying a noun). You can also use it with rare or complex verbs to describe specific states of decay, growth, or transition. Your mastery allows you to use '〜かけ' to convey a wealth of information about the timing, intent, and physical reality of a situation with just a few syllables, embodying the Japanese linguistic ideal of 'ishin-denshin' or subtle communication.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

〜かけ in 30 Seconds

Attaches to verb stems to mean 'halfway through' or 'unfinished'.
Commonly used for food, drinks, and tasks like reading or writing.
Functions as a noun or modifies other nouns using the particle 'no'.
Implies the action was started and then paused or interrupted.

The Japanese suffix 〜かけ (derived from the verb stem of かける) is a versatile and essential grammatical tool used to describe an action that has been started but is not yet finished. It specifically captures the state of being 'halfway through' or 'in the middle of' a process that has been interrupted or paused. For English speakers, it most closely translates to prefixes or adjectives like 'half-eaten,' 'half-read,' or the phrase 'started to...' but with a distinct focus on the physical or situational residue of the unfinished act. This nuance is vital in Japanese culture, where the state of an object often reflects the human activity associated with it. When you see a cup of coffee on a table that is only half empty, in Japanese, it isn't just 'unfinished coffee'; it is nomikake no kōhī (drinking-interrupted coffee).

Grammatical Function: It attaches to the Masu-stem of a verb to create a noun or a noun-modifying phrase. It transforms a dynamic action into a static description of an incomplete state.

テーブルの上に、飲みかけのジュースがある。
There is a half-drunk juice on the table.

The usage of 〜かけ implies that the subject intends to finish the action later, or that the action was unexpectedly halted. It is not used for things that are naturally 'halfway' like a moon phase, but rather for volitional actions like eating, writing, or building. It carries a sense of 'process' rather than just 'result.' For instance, tsukurikake (half-built) suggests a project that is currently in progress or abandoned mid-way. This distinguishes it from other 'unfinished' markers in Japanese which might imply a failure to finish rather than a temporary pause.

Common Verbs: Commonly paired with consumption verbs (eat, drink), creative verbs (write, make), and transitional verbs (die, wither).

読みかけの本を鞄に入れた。
I put the half-read book into my bag.

In social contexts, using 〜かけ can be a polite way to indicate you are still working on something. If someone asks if they can clear your plate, saying 'Mada tabekake desu' (I'm still eating/it's half-eaten) is a clear signal that you aren't done. It is also used to describe the onset of natural phenomena that haven't fully realized, such as a flower that is 'half-withered' (kare-kake). This suffix is ubiquitous in daily life, from household chores to professional projects, providing a specific vocabulary for the 'liminal space' between start and finish.

Nuance Note: While '〜中' (chū) means 'currently doing,' '〜かけ' emphasizes the state of the object being acted upon. 'Eating juice' vs 'Half-drunk juice'.

彼は何か言いかけて、口を閉じた。
He started to say something, then closed his mouth.

Using 〜かけ correctly requires understanding its transition from a verb stem into a noun-like descriptor. The most common structure is [Verb Stem] + かけ + の + [Noun]. This allows you to modify any noun with the state of being 'half-done.' For example, if you are writing a letter and stop to take a phone call, that letter becomes a kakikake no tegami. The power of this construction lies in its brevity; in English, we often need a whole relative clause ('the letter that I was in the middle of writing'), whereas Japanese condenses this into a single descriptive unit.

Structural Rule 1: Noun Modification: Verb Stem + かけ + の + Noun. Example: やりかけの宿題 (half-finished homework).

編みかけのセーターがソファに置いてある。
A half-knitted sweater is lying on the sofa.

Another common use is as a standalone noun ending a sentence, often with the copula da/desu. This is frequently seen when explaining the status of a task or an object. If a boss asks about a report, you might say 'Ima, kakikake desu' (I'm in the middle of writing it right now). This usage emphasizes the current status of the work. It is important to note that 〜かけ implies the action can and likely will be continued. If the action is finished but poorly done, or if it's abandoned forever, other expressions might be more appropriate, though 〜かけ is often used for abandoned projects to highlight the point at which they stopped.

Structural Rule 2: Sentence Ending: Verb Stem + かけ + だ/です. Example: この仕事はまだやりかけだ (This job is still half-done).

そのリンゴは食べかけですか？
Is that apple half-eaten?

Furthermore, 〜かけ can be used with intransitive verbs to show a state that has begun to change but hasn't reached the end point. A classic example is shini-kake (on the verge of death/dying) or kare-kake (starting to wither). In these cases, it describes a transition. When used with verbs of movement or speech, like ii-kakeru (to start to say), it often appears in the form ~kake-te followed by another action, indicating that the second action interrupted the first. This creates a vivid narrative flow, showing the exact moment an intention was disrupted.

Structural Rule 3: Verbal Form: Verb Stem + かける (Verb form). Example: 彼は何かを言いかけてやめた (He started to say something and stopped).

腐りかけのバナナでケーキを作った。
I made a cake with bananas that were starting to rot.

You will encounter 〜かけ in a wide variety of daily life scenarios in Japan, ranging from the domestic sphere to professional environments and literary works. In the home, it is most frequently used regarding food and chores. Parents might ask children, 'Tabekake no mono o hōchi shinaide' (Don't leave half-eaten things lying around). In the kitchen, you might find tsukurikake no yūhan (half-prepared dinner) when someone is interrupted by a phone call. This usage is very practical and grounded in the physical reality of unfinished tasks. It highlights the Japanese attention to the state of objects and the respect for completing what has been started.

Context: Household & Food: Used to describe food, drinks, and cleaning tasks that are paused. 'Nomikake' is very common for bottled beverages.

飲みかけのペットボトルが溜まっている。
Half-drunk plastic bottles are piling up.

In the workplace, 〜かけ is essential for project management and communication. When handing over a shift or discussing progress, you might refer to yarikake no shigoto (work in progress) or kakikake no repōto (a report I'm currently writing). It conveys a sense of activity and momentum. Unlike the more formal 'shinkō-chū' (in progress), 〜かけ feels more personal and specific to the individual's labor. It's often used when apologising for an unfinished state: 'Yarikake de mōshiwake arimasen' (I'm sorry for leaving this half-done). This shows a high level of self-awareness regarding one's output and its impact on others.

Context: Office & Work: Describing documents, emails, or physical projects that are not yet complete. Helps in setting expectations for colleagues.

書きかけのメールを保存した。
I saved the half-written email (as a draft).

Literature and media also utilize 〜かけ to create suspense or emotional depth. A character might be described as shini-kake (near death), adding immediate tension to a scene. Or a story might focus on a wasure-kake no omoide (a memory one has started to forget), evoking a sense of nostalgia and the passage of time. In these contexts, the suffix moves beyond simple physical incompletion and enters the realm of psychological and emotional states. It captures the 'fading' or 'emerging' nature of thoughts and feelings. Whether in a manga, a TV drama, or a novel, 〜かけ provides a subtle way to describe things that are in flux.

Context: Emotional/Abstract: Used with verbs like 'forget' or 'believe' to show a shifting mental state. 'Wasure-kake' means 'starting to forget'.

彼は死にかけの状態から回復した。
He recovered from a near-death state.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make when using 〜かけ is confusing it with other 'completion' or 'in-progress' markers like 〜中 (chū), 〜つつある (tsutsu aru), or 〜かけた (kaketa). While they all deal with time and action, their nuances are strictly different. The biggest error is using 〜かけ for actions that are naturally instantaneous. You cannot say 'shini-kake' for someone who died instantly; it must be a process of dying. Similarly, you wouldn't use it for things that don't leave a physical or observable 'halfway' state. A common learner mistake is saying 'iki-kake' to mean 'on the way to going,' which is usually better expressed with 'iku tochu' (on the way).

Mistake 1: Confusion with 〜中 (chū): 'Shokuji-chū' means 'currently eating.' 'Tabekake' means the food is sitting there half-eaten. Don't use 'tabekake' to describe the act of eating itself.

❌ 私は今、ご飯を食べかけです。
✅ 私は今、食事中です。
Explanation: Use 'chū' for the ongoing activity, 'kake' for the state of the food.

Another mistake involves the grammar of the verb stem. Some learners accidentally use the dictionary form or the 'te-form' before 〜かけ. It must be the masu-stem (the part of the verb before -masu). For instance, for the verb 'yomu' (to read), the stem is 'yomi'. Writing 'yomu-kake' is a grammatical error that sounds very jarring to native speakers. Additionally, learners often forget the particle 'no' when using 〜かけ to modify a noun. It is not 'tabekake ringo' but 'tabekake no ringo.' This 'no' is grammatically required because 'tabekake' functions as a noun in this construction.

Mistake 2: Missing the 'no' Particle: Remember: [Stem]かけ + NO + [Noun]. Without 'no', the sentence is broken.

❌ 読みかけ本
✅ 読みかけの本
Explanation: The particle 'no' connects the descriptor to the object.

Finally, be careful with the verb 'kakeru' versus the suffix '〜かけ'. While related, 'kakeru' as a standalone verb has dozens of meanings (to hang, to call, to sit, etc.). When you see 'kake' in a sentence, ensure it is attached to another verb stem before assuming it means 'half-done.' If it stands alone, it likely comes from one of the other meanings of 'kakeru.' Also, distinguish between '〜かけ' (unfinished) and '〜きれない' (cannot finish). 'Tabekake' means you stopped, 'Tabekirenai' means the portion is too big to finish.

Mistake 3: Verb Stem Errors: Always use the Masu-stem. For 'Suru' (to do), use 'Shi' + 'kake'. For 'Kuru' (to come), use 'Ki' + 'kake'.

While 〜かけ is powerful, there are several other Japanese expressions that cover similar ground. Understanding the differences between them will greatly improve your fluency and precision. The most common alternative is 〜途中 (tochū), which means 'in the middle of' or 'on the way.' The difference is that tochū is more about the timeline of an event, while 〜かけ is more about the state of the object. If you are 'in the middle of a meeting,' you use kaigi no tochū. You wouldn't use kake there because a meeting isn't an object that you 'half-consume' in the same way.

Comparison: 〜かけ vs 〜途中 (tochū): '〜かけ' focuses on the unfinished result. '途中' focuses on the point in time or space.

家へ帰る途中で雨が降ってきた。
読みかけの本を閉じた。
It started raining on the way home. / I closed the half-read book.

Another similar expression is 〜かける (kakeru) used as an auxiliary verb. While 〜かけ is often a noun, 〜かける is the action of starting to do something and being interrupted. For example, ii-kakeru means 'to start to say.' This is very close to 〜しそうになる (shisō ni naru), which means 'almost did something.' However, 〜かける implies the action actually began, whereas 〜しそうになる might mean it almost happened but didn't even start (like almost tripping).

Comparison: 〜かけ vs 〜つつある (tsutsu aru): '〜つつある' is formal and means 'is in the process of (changing).' '〜かけ' is more about a pause in a volitional act.

景気は回復しつつある。
彼は何かを言いかけた。
The economy is in the process of recovering. / He started to say something.

Finally, consider 〜っぱなし (ppanashi). This also describes a state left as is, but it usually carries a negative connotation of negligence. If you leave the water running, it is mizu o dashippanashi. If you leave a book open, it is akeppanashi. 〜かけ is more neutral—it just describes the state of incompletion. If you say 'tabekake no ringo,' it's just a half-eaten apple. If you say 'tabe-ppanashi,' it implies you were messy and didn't clean up after eating. Choosing between these depends on whether you want to sound descriptive or critical.

Comparison: 〜かけ vs 〜かけた (Past tense verb): 'Nomikake no mizu' (The half-drunk water). 'Mizu o nomikaketa' (I started to drink the water/I almost drank the water).

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The kanji for 'kake' (掛) shows a hand and a tool for hanging things. It implies that something has been 'put on the hook' but not yet taken off or finished.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /kɑːkeɪ/

US /kɑkeɪ/

Japanese is a pitch-accent language. 'Kake' usually has a low-high pitch pattern, but it depends on the preceding verb.

Rhymes With

Sake (alcohol) Take (bamboo) Make (lose) Ake (open) Dake (only) Bake (ghost) Koke (moss) Suke (help)

Common Errors

Pronouncing it like 'cake' in English.
Elongating the final 'e' sound too much.
Adding a 'u' sound at the end (kake-u).
Failing to blend it smoothly with the preceding verb stem.
Pronouncing the 'ka' with too much aspiration (puff of air).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The kanji is easy, and the hiragana is simple to recognize.

Writing 3/5

Requires knowledge of verb stems and the 'no' particle connection.

Speaking 3/5

Natural usage requires understanding the nuance of 'interruption'.

Listening 2/5

Easily heard at the end of verb stems in conversation.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

食べる (eat) 飲む (drink) 読む (read) 書く (write) する (do)

Learn Next

〜っぱなし (leaving something as is) 〜すぎる (doing too much) 〜やすい (easy to do) 〜にくい (hard to do) 〜だす (to start suddenly)

Advanced

〜つつある (in the process of) 〜がてら (while doing/at the same time) 〜ついでに (while you're at it) 〜そばから (as soon as...)

Grammar to Know

Masu-stem formation

Tabemasu -> Tabe, Yomimasu -> Yomi

Noun modification with 'no'

Nomikake NO mizu

Auxiliary verb 'kakeru'

Ii-kakeru (to start to say)

State description with 'da/desu'

Mada yarikake desu.

Contrast with 'owaru'

Tabe-kake (half-eaten) vs Tabe-owaru (finished eating)

Examples by Level

これは食べかけのパンです。

This is a half-eaten piece of bread.

Tabe (stem of taberu) + kake.

飲みかけのジュースがあります。

There is a half-drunk juice.

Nomi (stem of nomu) + kake.

読みかけの本を読みます。

I will read the half-read book.

Yomi (stem of yomu) + kake.

書きかけの手紙です。

It is a half-written letter.

Kaki (stem of kaku) + kake.

やりかけのゲームがあります。

I have a half-finished game.

Yari (stem of yaru) + kake.

作りかけのロボットです。

It is a half-made robot.

Tsukuri (stem of tsukuru) + kake.

洗いかけのお皿を洗います。

I will wash the half-washed dishes.

Arai (stem of arau) + kake.

使いかけのえんぴつです。

It is a half-used pencil.

Tsukai (stem of tsukau) + kake.

テーブルに飲みかけのコップを置かないでください。

Please don't leave half-drunk cups on the table.

Nomikake + no + koppu (noun).

昨日のやりかけの宿題を終わらせた。

I finished yesterday's half-done homework.

Yarikake + no + shukudai.

この本はまだ読みかけです。

I am still in the middle of reading this book.

Yomikake + desu (sentence ending).

作りかけのプラモデルが机にあります。

There is a half-built plastic model on the desk.

Tsukurikake + no + puramoderu.

彼は何かを言いかけて、やめました。

He started to say something, but stopped.

Ii (stem of iu) + kakeru (verb form).

食べかけのケーキを冷蔵庫に入れました。

I put the half-eaten cake in the fridge.

Tabekake + no + kēki.

書きかけのメールが消えてしまった。

The half-written email disappeared.

Kakikake + no + mēru.

その掃除はまだやりかけだよ。

That cleaning is still half-done, you know.

Yarikake + da (informal sentence ending).

仕事がやりかけのまま、帰宅してしまった。

I went home with my work still half-finished.

Yarikake + no mama (leaving it as is).

読みかけの本の内容を忘れてしまった。

I forgot the contents of the book I was halfway through reading.

Yomikake no hon.

彼は何かを言いかけて、結局何も言わなかった。

He started to say something, but in the end, he said nothing.

Ii-kakete (te-form of iikakeru).

作りかけの料理があるから、手伝ってくれる？

I have some food halfway prepared, so can you help me?

Tsukurikake no ryōri.

飲みかけのペットボトルを鞄に入れた。

I put the half-drunk plastic bottle in my bag.

Nomikake no pettobotoru.

あの花は枯れかけているね。

That flower is starting to wither, isn't it?

Kare (stem of kareru) + kake-te iru.

書きかけのレポートを明日の朝までに終わらせる。

I will finish the half-written report by tomorrow morning.

Kakikake no repōto.

そのドラマはまだ見かけだよ。

I'm still in the middle of watching that drama.

Mi (stem of miru) + kake.

編みかけのセーターを冬までに完成させたい。

I want to finish the half-knitted sweater by winter.

Amikake (stem of amu + kake).

彼は死にかけの状態で病院に運ばれた。

He was rushed to the hospital in a near-death state.

Shinikake (stem of shinu + kake).

やりかけの仕事を他人に任せるのは不安だ。

I feel uneasy about entrusting half-finished work to others.

Yarikake no shigoto.

読みかけの小説の結末が気になって眠れない。

I can't sleep because I'm curious about the ending of the novel I'm halfway through.

Yomikake no shōsetsu.

その計画はまだ考えかけの段階です。

That plan is still in the stage of being thought through.

Kangaekake (stem of kangaeru + kake).

腐りかけの果物を使ってジャムを作った。

I made jam using fruit that was starting to rot.

Kusarikake (stem of kusaru + kake).

言いかけてやめるのは、一番気になるからやめてよ。

Stop starting to say something and then stopping; it's what bothers me most.

Ii-kakete yameru.

壊れかけのラジオから懐かしい曲が流れてきた。

A nostalgic song flowed from the half-broken radio.

Kowarekake (stem of kowareru + kake).

忘れかけの記憶を呼び起こすために、故郷を訪ねた。

I visited my hometown to awaken memories I had started to forget.

Wasurekake (stem of wasureru + kake).

書きかけの論文を放置したまま、数ヶ月が過ぎた。

Months passed while the half-written thesis remained neglected.

Kakikake no ronbun.

彼は真相を話し出しかけて、急に表情を硬くした。

He started to tell the truth, then suddenly his expression stiffened.

Hanashidashi-kakete (compound verb + kake).

沈みかけの太陽が、海をオレンジ色に染めている。

The sun, which is starting to set, is dyeing the sea orange.

Shizumikake (stem of shizumu + kake).

使いかけの香水の瓶が、鏡の前に並んでいる。

Half-used perfume bottles are lined up in front of the mirror.

Tsukaikake no kōsui.

溶けかけのアイスクリームが、お皿の上で形を崩している。

The half-melted ice cream is losing its shape on the plate.

Tokekake (stem of tokeru + kake).

崩れかけの古い壁が、歴史の重みを感じさせる。

The crumbling old wall makes one feel the weight of history.

Kuzurekake (stem of kuzureru + kake).

信じかけの噂が、実は真実だったと知って驚いた。

I was surprised to learn that the rumor I had started to believe was actually true.

Shinjikake (stem of shinjiru + kake).

未完の美学、すなわち作りかけの彫刻に宿る魂について論じる。

We will discuss the aesthetics of the unfinished, namely the soul that dwells in a half-made sculpture.

Tsukurikake no chōkoku.

消えかけの焚き火を囲み、彼らは夜通し語り合った。

Gathered around a dying campfire, they talked throughout the night.

Kiekake (stem of kieru + kake).

解けかけの謎が、一本の電話によって再び深まった。

The mystery that had started to be unraveled deepened again due to a single phone call.

Tokekake no nazo.

死にかけの言語を保存するためのプロジェクトが始動した。

A project to preserve a dying language has been launched.

Shinikake no gengo.

綻びかけの人間関係を修復するのは、容易なことではない。

It is no easy task to repair human relationships that have begun to fray.

Hokobikake (stem of hokobiru + kake).

眠りかけの意識の中で、彼女は誰かの呼ぶ声を聞いた。

In her half-sleeping consciousness, she heard someone calling her name.

Nemurikake no ishiki.

焼けかけの書類から、辛うじて重要な証拠が見つかった。

Important evidence was barely found from the half-burnt documents.

Yakekake (stem of yakeru + kake).

熟れかけの果実が放つ芳醇な香りが、部屋中に漂っている。

The rich aroma emitted by the fruit that is starting to ripen drifts throughout the room.

Urekake (stem of ureru + kake).

Common Collocations

飲みかけのコーヒー

読みかけの本

やりかけの仕事

食べかけのリンゴ

書きかけのメール

死にかけの状態

作りかけの料理

編みかけのセーター

壊れかけの家

忘れかけの記憶

Common Phrases

〜かけのまま

— Leaving something in a half-finished state. Used when you stop and move to something else.

読みかけのまま本を閉じた。

〜かけだ

— To be in the middle of doing something. A common way to state current status.

この仕事はまだやりかけだ。

言いかけてやめる

— To start to say something and then stop. Shows hesitation or second thoughts.

彼女は何かを言いかけてやめた。

〜かけのところ

— The point/moment when something was half-done. Often used when interrupted.

食べかけのところに電話が来た。

〜しかける

— The verb form. To begin to perform an action.

雨が降り出した。

〜しかけている

— To be currently in the process of starting or being halfway through.

花が枯れかけている。

〜かけの品

— A half-finished item or product. Used in manufacturing or crafts.

作りかけの品を整理する。

〜かけのレポート

— A half-written report. Very common in academic or office settings.

書きかけのレポートを仕上げる。

〜かけのパズル

— A half-finished puzzle. Describes a project that takes time.

やりかけのパズルが床にある。

〜かけのパン

— A half-eaten piece of bread. Common breakfast description.

食べかけのパンがある。

Often Confused With

〜かけ vs 〜中 (chū)

Chū is 'in the middle of the act'; Kake is 'the state of the unfinished object'.

〜かけ vs 〜途中 (tochū)

Tochū is about the path/time; Kake is about the verb's process.

〜かけ vs 〜っぱなし (ppanashi)

Ppanashi implies leaving something in a bad/messy way; Kake is neutral.

Idioms & Expressions

"死にかけの馬"

— Used to describe something that is almost useless or about to fail completely.

この古いパソコンは死にかけの馬だ。

Informal

"言いかけて飲み込む"

— To start saying something but then 'swallow' your words and stay silent.

不満を言いかけて飲み込んだ。

Neutral

"腐りかけが一番旨い"

— A saying that some things (like fruit or meat) are most flavorful just before they spoil.

バナナは腐りかけが一番旨いという。

Common Saying

"忘れかけの夢"

— A dream or ambition that one has started to give up on or forget.

彼は忘れかけの夢を追いかけ始めた。

Literary

"壊れかけの絆"

— A relationship that is on the verge of breaking or falling apart.

壊れかけの絆を修復する。

Dramatic

"沈みかけの船"

— A sinking ship; used for a company or project that is clearly failing.

沈みかけの船から逃げ出す。

Metaphorical

"熟れかけのチャンス"

— An opportunity that is just about to be ready or perfect to take.

熟れかけのチャンスを逃さない。

Metaphorical

"消えかけの灯火"

— A dying flame; used for someone's life or a hope that is almost gone.

彼の命は消えかけの灯火のようだ。

Literary

"溶けかけの心"

— A heart that is starting to soften or open up to someone.

彼の冷たい態度に、溶けかけの心が見えた。

Poetic

"崩れかけのプライド"

— A pride that is starting to crumble or be damaged.

彼は崩れかけのプライドを守ろうとした。

Emotional

Easily Confused

〜かけ vs 〜かける (kakeru)

It looks the same as the suffix.

Kakeru can be a standalone verb (to hang, to call). 〜かけ is a suffix attached to other verbs.

電話をかける (make a call) vs 言いかける (start to say).

〜かけ vs 〜出す (dasu)

Both mean 'to start'.

Dasu implies a sudden, outward start. Kake implies starting and potentially pausing or being in progress.

走り出す (suddenly start running) vs 走りかける (start to run but stop).

〜かけ vs 〜始める (hajimeru)

Both mean 'to start'.

Hajimeru is the general word for starting. Kake specifically emphasizes the 'unfinished' or 'halfway' status.

読み始める (start reading) vs 読みかけ (half-read).

〜かけ vs 〜そう (sō)

Both can mean 'about to'.

Sō is based on appearance/likelihood. Kake means the action has actually begun.

死にそう (looks like they might die) vs 死にかけ (actually in the process of dying).

〜かけ vs 〜がち (gachi)

Both are suffixes.

Gachi means 'tending to do'. Kake means 'halfway through doing'.

忘れがち (tends to forget) vs 忘れかけ (starting to forget).

Sentence Patterns

[Stem]かけの[Noun]です。

食べかけのリンゴです。

[Noun]はまだ[Stem]かけです。

宿題はまだやりかけです。

[Stem]かけの[Noun]を[Verb]。

読みかけの本を鞄に入れた。

[Stem]かけて、[Verb]。

言いかけて、やめた。

[Stem]かけの状態で[Verb]。

死にかけの状態で運ばれた。

[Stem]かけのままにする。

作りかけのままにする。

[Stem]かけの[Noun]が[Verb]。

忘れかけの記憶が戻る。

[Stem]かけの[Noun]に[Noun]が宿る。

作りかけの彫刻に魂が宿る。

Word Family

Nouns

飲みかけ (half-drunk)

食べかけ (half-eaten)

やりかけ (half-done)

読みかけ (half-read)

Verbs

かける (to begin/to hang)

しかける (to start)

言いかける (to start to say)

し掛かる (to be about to do)

途中 (middle/way)

中 (in progress)

かけら (fragment)

きっかけ (trigger/chance)

仕掛品 (work in process)

How to Use It

frequency

High in daily life, especially regarding consumption and tasks.

Common Mistakes

Using dictionary form: 食べるかけ (Taberu-kake) → 食べかけ (Tabe-kake)
You must use the Masu-stem, not the dictionary form. Taberu -> Tabe.
Missing 'no': 読みかけ本 (Yomikake hon) → 読みかけの本 (Yomikake no hon)
〜かけ acts as a noun, so you need 'no' to modify another noun.
Confusing with 〜中: 私は今、食べかけです (I am currently half-eating) → 私は今、食事中です (I am in the middle of a meal)
〜かけ describes the object's state, not the person's current activity.
Using with instantaneous verbs: 落ちかけ (Ochi-kake) for a fallen leaf → 落ちた葉 (Ochita ha)
Unless the leaf is currently stuck halfway through falling, 'kake' doesn't fit.
Confusing with 〜そう: 降りかけ (Furi-kake) for 'looks like rain' → 降りそう (Furi-sō)
'Furi-sō' means it looks like it will rain. 'Furi-kake' would mean it just started raining and stopped.

Tips

Stem Mastery

Always use the continuative form (masu-stem). If you know 'tabemasu', just drop the 'masu' to get 'tabe'. This is the foundation for using 'kake' correctly.

The Coffee Test

If you see a cup of coffee on a table and no one is drinking it, but it's not full, that is 'nomikake'. If someone is currently holding it to their lips, that is 'nomichū'.

Interruption vs. Habit

Don't confuse 'kake' with 'gachi'. 'Wasure-gachi' means you are a forgetful person. 'Wasure-kake' means you are currently in the process of forgetting a specific thing.

Connecting Nouns

Remember the 'no' particle. 'Tabekake ringo' is wrong. 'Tabekake NO ringo' is right. Treat 'tabekake' like any other noun.

Common Pairs

Memorize the 'Big Four': Tabekake (eat), Nomikake (drink), Yomikake (read), Kakikake (write). These cover 80% of daily usage.

Polite Pausing

Using 'mada yarikake desu' sounds very professional. It shows you are actively working on something rather than just saying 'I haven't done it yet'.

Verb Ending

Train your ears to hear the 'kake' at the end of verbs. It's a quick way to understand that the speaker is talking about something unfinished.

Not for Speed

Don't use 'kake' for fast actions. You can't have a 'half-jumped' (tobikake) fence unless you were frozen in mid-air!

Work Handover

When leaving the office, tell your colleague: 'Kore, yarikake nanode, ashita yarimasu' (This is half-done, so I'll do it tomorrow).

Halfway Hook

Imagine the 'kake' (hook) catching the verb and stopping it halfway. The action is 'hooked' and can't finish yet.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'cake' (sounds like kake) that someone started eating but didn't finish. A 'kake' is a half-eaten cake!

Visual Association

Imagine a bookmark in the middle of a book. That book is 'yomi-kake' (read-kake). The bookmark is the physical sign of 'kake'.

Word Web

Tabekake (Food) Nomikake (Drink) Yomikake (Book) Kakikake (Letter) Yarikake (Work) Tsukurikake (Model) Shinikake (Life) Karekake (Nature)

Challenge

Look around your room right now. Can you find three things that are 'kake'? A half-drunk water bottle? A half-written note? Name them in Japanese!

Word Origin

Derived from the Japanese verb 'kakeru' (掛ける), which has a vast range of meanings including 'to hang,' 'to apply,' or 'to begin.'

Original meaning: The sense of 'beginning' or 'starting' an action that is then suspended.

Japonic

Cultural Context

Be careful using 'shini-kake' (dying) as it is very blunt and can be insensitive if used about people in real-life medical situations without care.

English speakers often use 'half-' as a prefix (half-baked, half-eaten). 'Kake' is the Japanese equivalent but is much more flexible and can be used with almost any action verb.

The song 'Kowarekake no Radio' by Hideaki Tokunaga is a classic J-pop hit about a half-broken radio. Manga often use 'shini-kake' for dramatic battle scenes. The concept of 'Wabi-sabi' values things that are in a state of change, like 'kare-kake' (withered) flowers.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At a Cafe

飲みかけのコーヒー
食べかけのケーキ
読みかけの雑誌
まだ飲みかけです

At the Office

やりかけの仕事
書きかけのメール
考えかけの案
やりかけで失礼します

At Home

作りかけの夕飯
洗いかけの食器
編みかけのセーター
食べかけを片付ける

Medical/Dramatic

死にかけの人
壊れかけの心
消えかけの命
崩れかけの建物

Nature/Changes

枯れかけの花
腐りかけの果物
溶けかけの雪
沈みかけの太陽

Conversation Starters

"その本、まだ読みかけですか？ (Are you still in the middle of that book?)"

"やりかけの仕事を手伝いましょうか？ (Shall I help you with your half-finished work?)"

"テーブルにある飲みかけのコップは誰のですか？ (Whose is the half-drunk cup on the table?)"

"最近、何か作りかけの趣味はありますか？ (Do you have any hobbies you've started but not finished lately?)"

"言いかけてやめたこと、教えてくれませんか？ (Can you tell me what you started to say but stopped?)"

Journal Prompts

今日、やりかけのままにしてしまったことは何ですか？ (What things did you leave half-finished today?)

読みかけの本について、今の感想を書いてください。 (Write your current thoughts on the book you are halfway through.)

子供の頃、作りかけで諦めてしまったものはありますか？ (Is there anything you started making as a child but gave up on?)

「腐りかけが一番美味しい」と思う食べ物はありますか？ (Are there any foods you think are best when they are just starting to spoil?)

言いかけてやめた時の気持ちを思い出して書いてください。 (Remember and write about how you felt when you started to say something but stopped.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Mostly yes, as long as the verb describes a process that takes time. You can't use it with instantaneous verbs like 'blink' unless you are describing a slow-motion or interrupted action.

It functions as a noun. To use it like an adjective to modify another noun, you must add the particle 'no', as in 'tabekake no ringo'.

'Nomichū' means you are currently swallowing or in the act of drinking. 'Nomikake' means the bottle is on the table with some liquid left.

It is grammatically possible but very rare. People usually say 'iku tochū'. 'Iki-kakeru' might be used if you started to leave the house but were stopped at the door.

It doesn't have to be exactly 50%. It just means 'started but not finished.' It could be 10% or 90% done.

You use 'yomikake'. For example: 'Yomikake no hon' (A half-read book).

It is very direct. In a medical setting, doctors use more formal terms. 'Shini-kake' is often used in stories or when describing a plant/animal dramatically.

Yes! 'Tsukurikake no purezento' (A half-made present) is a nice thing. It's a neutral descriptor.

'Kake' is the noun form (unfinished state). 'Kakeru' is the verb form (to start/to be in the process of).

Yes, very often. 'Yarikake no shigoto' (work in progress) is a standard way to describe tasks during a handover.