Translation guide
The English word "flaw" refers to a defect, imperfection, or weakness. In Japanese, the best translation depends on whether the flaw is physical, moral, logical, or systemic. This guide organizes the most common and natural Japanese expressions by meaning.
A visible imperfection in an object, surface, or material.
General word for a scratch, flaw, or blemish on a surface or object. Also used metaphorically for emotional wounds.
この皿には小さな傷がある。
This plate has a small flaw.
A defect or flaw, often used for manufactured products or structural issues. More formal than 傷.
A flaw was found in this product.
A legal or technical term for a flaw or defect, especially in construction or contracts. Rare in everyday speech.
If there is a flaw in the building, you can request repairs.
A moral or personality imperfection in a person.
A shortcoming, weakness, or flaw in a person's character or ability. Commonly used in self-introductions or evaluations.
His flaw is that he's short-tempered.
A weak point or vulnerability, often used for personal weaknesses or strategic vulnerabilities.
A demerit or weak point, often contrasted with 長所 (strength). Common in formal self-assessments.
A mistake or inconsistency in reasoning or a plan.
Used for flaws in logic, systems, or arguments. Same word as for physical defects, but context makes the meaning clear.
That theory has a serious flaw.
An inadequacy, deficiency, or flaw in a plan, document, or system. Often used in business contexts.
A contradiction or inconsistency, often used to point out logical flaws.
An inherent weakness in a system, design, or process.
The most direct translation for a design or systemic flaw. Widely used in engineering and software.
This software has a security flaw.
A malfunction, glitch, or flaw in a system or product. Common in IT and customer support.
A weak point in a system or strategy, similar to its use for personal weaknesses.
傷 (きず) is best for visible blemishes or scratches. 欠陥 (けっかん) is for structural or functional defects, often in products or logic. 欠点 (けってん) is for personal shortcomings or character flaws. Using the wrong one can sound unnatural.
This apple has a blemish.
This car has a defect.
His flaw is that he lies.
The English word 'flawless' is often translated as 完璧 (かんぺき) or 非の打ち所がない (ひのうちどころがない), not as a direct negation of 傷 or 欠陥. Saying 傷がない is possible for physical objects, but for performances or beauty, use 完璧.
誰にでも弱点はある。
Everyone has flaws.
My flaw is that I'm indecisive.
There was a flaw in the plan.
There's a flaw (contradiction) in his argument.
システムに不具合が発生した。
A flaw (glitch) occurred in the system.
その戦略の弱点を突く。
Exploit the flaw in that strategy.