Translation guide
The English word "dysfunction" refers to impaired or abnormal functioning, often in systems, organs, relationships, or social contexts. In Japanese, the translation depends heavily on the specific domain. This guide covers the most common ways to express this concept naturally.
To describe a system, organization, or process that is not working properly.
The most direct and common translation for 'dysfunction' in formal or technical contexts, meaning 'functional failure' or 'malfunction'. Used for organs, systems, organizations, etc.
This organization is suffering from serious dysfunction.
Liver dysfunction was diagnosed.
Often used in medical or technical contexts for 'functional disorder' or 'impairment'. Slightly more clinical than 機能不全.
Patients with kidney dysfunction are increasing.
A suffix meaning 'insufficiency' or 'failure', commonly attached to organ names (e.g., 心不全 = heart failure). Not used alone for general dysfunction.
Heart failure is a dysfunction of the heart.
To describe unhealthy patterns in families or interpersonal relationships.
The standard term for 'dysfunctional family' in psychology and social work.
She grew up in a dysfunctional family.
A more everyday way to say 'family with problems', less clinical than 機能不全家族.
A less common term meaning 'relationship dysfunction', sometimes used in psychology.
To describe a society, government, or institution that is failing to function properly.
To refer to medical conditions affecting sexual function.
The standard medical term for 'sexual dysfunction'.
Treatments for sexual dysfunction are diversifying.
Abbreviation for 'erectile dysfunction', commonly used in Japanese as a loanword acronym.
Erectile dysfunction medications are widely used.
While 異常 (abnormality) can sometimes overlap with dysfunction, it is broader and often implies something strange or unusual rather than a failure of function. Use 機能不全 for systemic failure.
Japanese often specifies the domain (e.g., 肝機能, 政治機能) before adding 不全 or 障害. When in doubt, use 機能不全 as a safe general term.
He ran away from his dysfunctional family.
Marital dysfunction is the cause of the divorce.
This institutional dysfunction requires reform.