Translation guide
The English verb 'fail' covers a wide range of meanings, from not succeeding to not doing something expected. Japanese uses different verbs and patterns depending on the nuance.
To not achieve a desired outcome; to be unsuccessful in an attempt.
The most common and general way to say 'fail' when an action or plan does not succeed.
I failed the exam.
The plan ended in failure.
Specifically means to fail an exam or test. Very common in academic contexts.
Formal way to say 'fail' an exam or screening. Often used in official announcements.
I failed the interview.
Colloquial and somewhat rough way to say 'mess up' or 'fail'. Used among friends.
To neglect or be unable to do something that was expected or required.
Attach to the stem of a verb to mean 'fail to do' or 'miss the chance to do'. Emphasizes missing an opportunity or not completing an action.
For a machine, system, or body part to stop functioning properly.
General term for mechanical or electronic failure.
The engine failed.
To not meet expectations; to let someone down.
Literally 'cannot meet expectations'. A natural way to express failing someone.
For health, strength, or a faculty to deteriorate.
For a business to fail financially.
Standard term for corporate bankruptcy.
While 失敗する is the most direct equivalent, it is not used for all senses of 'fail'. For exams, 落ちる is more natural; for forgetting, use 忘れる; for machines, use 故障する. Using 失敗する in these contexts can sound unnatural.
失敗する is neutral and can be used in any situation. しくじる is slangy and implies a blunder, often used when you mess up something you should have handled well. Avoid しくじる in formal settings.
He never fails to call his mother.
English 'never fails to' is often expressed with 必ず (without fail) or 忘れずに.
I failed the math test.
またしくじっちゃった。
I messed up again.
I failed to catch the train.
I failed to say it.
Means 'forget to do' and implies failure due to forgetting.
I forgot to do my homework. (I failed to do it.)
Simply means 'cannot do'. Often used when capability is lacking, leading to failure.
I failed to keep my promise.
Means 'break' or 'be broken'. More general than 故障する, used for non-mechanical things too.
My computer failed / broke.
Colloquial for 'go bad', 'become useless', or 'fail'. Can refer to food, plans, or things.
The fridge failed / gave out.
He failed to live up to his parents' expectations.
Means 'betray'. Stronger than just disappointing; implies a breach of trust.
He failed me / betrayed my trust.
To decline, weaken, or fail (e.g., health, eyesight, memory).
As you get older, your memory fails.
To weaken, become frail. Often used for physical condition.
His heart is failing.
The company failed / went bankrupt.
Colloquial for a business going under.
I heard that shop failed / went out of business.
Words fail me.
Idiomatic; literally 'words don't come out'.