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.
This plate has a small flaw.
A defect or flaw, often used for manufactured products or structural issues. More formal than 傷.
この製品に欠陥が見つかった。
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.
建物に瑕疵がある場合、修理を請求できる。
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.
彼の欠点は短気なことだ。
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.
その理論には重大な欠陥がある。
That theory has a serious flaw.
An inadequacy, deficiency, or flaw in a plan, document, or system. Often used in business contexts.
計画に不備があった。
There was a flaw in the plan.
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.
このソフトウェアにはセキュリティ上の欠陥がある。
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.
このリンゴには傷がある。
This apple has a blemish.
この車には欠陥がある。
This car has a defect.
彼の欠点は嘘をつくことだ。
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's a flaw (contradiction) in his argument.
A flaw (glitch) occurred in the system.
その戦略の弱点を突く。
Exploit the flaw in that strategy.