未遂

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: The written form is 未遂, read みすい. Elements for not yet and completion combine to denote an act or offense that was attempted but not completed.
• Basic usage: 窃盗未遂 forms an attempted-offense compound, while 未遂に終わる states that a plan ended without completion.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• An attempted-offense compound
  • The mystery begins with an attempted jewel theft, not a completed theft. Example: 推理小説では宝石の窃盗未遂が事件の始まりです。 — In the mystery novel, an attempted jewel theft begins the incident.
• An intrusion that remained an attempt
  • Discovery by a gatekeeper prevents the castle intrusion from being completed. Example: 城への侵入は門番に見つかって未遂に終わりました。 — The attempt to enter the castle failed when a guard discovered it.