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How to say 'Breakdown' or 'Malfunction' in Japanese | 故障

Wondering how to say 'Breakdown' or 'Malfunction' in Japanese? You're in the right place!

The Japanese word for Breakdown or Malfunction is 'Koshou', written as 故障 in Japanese.'Breakdown' or 'Malfunction' in hiragana is こしょう.

    word

    故障

    Meaning

    Breakdown, Malfunction

    Reading

    こしょう

    koshou

    Kanji

    Reason, Deceased Hinder, Hurt

    Explanation

    The Japanese verbal noun '故障 (こしょう)' refers to a breakdown or malfunction, typically of machinery, equipment, or systems. It is commonly used to describe when something stops working properly due to a defect or failure. For example: The car broke down「車が故障した」(くるまがこしょうした). The computer is malfunctioning「コンピューターが故障している」(コンピューターがこしょうしている). This term is often used in technical or mechanical contexts but can also apply to abstract systems or plans that fail to function as intended.

    Part Of Speech

    verbal noun

    Kanji JLPT

    N1

    Kanji Grade

    6

    Frequency

    1538

    Composition

    kanji

    Handwriting

Kanji in the Word 故障

This word contains 2 kanji characters:

  • kanji

    Meaning

    Reason, Deceased

  • kanji

    Meaning

    Hinder, Hurt

Words Related to 故障 Through the Kanji

These 5 Words contain the Kanji 故 as well.

  • word

    何故

    Meaning

    Why

  • word

    交通事故

    Meaning

    Accident

  • word

    Meaning

    Reason

  • word

    事故

    Meaning

    Accident

  • word

    故郷

    Meaning

    Hometown

Words Related to 故障 Through the Kanji

These 3 Words contain the Kanji 障 as well.

  • word

    障害

    Meaning

    Disability, Obstacle

  • word

    障子

    Meaning

    Shoji

  • word

    保障

    Meaning

    Security, Guarantee

Learn the Word 故障

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What does 'Koshou' (故障) mean?

'Koshou' means 'Breakdown' or 'Malfunction' .

To help you master this word, here's an interactive lesson where you'll practice its readings and meanings.