Translation guide
How to express that something goes wrong, fails, or doesn't go as planned in Japanese. Covers mistakes, malfunctions, plans falling apart, and things taking a bad turn.
When a plan, event, or situation fails or doesn't go as expected.
The most common and versatile way to say something doesn't go well or goes wrong. Literally 'doesn't go well'.
The plan went wrong.
Some days everything goes wrong.
To fail; used when an attempt or plan ends in failure. Stronger than うまくいかない.
The strategy went wrong.
To be ruined or spoiled. Used when something good is wrecked by an event.
The picnic went wrong because of the rain.
To go wrong in a strange or abnormal way. Implies something became weird or off.
The plan went wrong (in a weird way).
When a device, machine, or system stops working correctly.
To break down or malfunction. Used for machines, vehicles, electronics.
The air conditioner went wrong.
To break; general word for something becoming broken or out of order.
To be in bad condition; not working properly. Often used when something is acting up but not completely broken.
The printer is going wrong.
When someone does something incorrectly or makes an error.
To make a mistake; to do something wrong. Transitive verb.
I went wrong in the procedure.
To make a mistake (from English 'miss'). Common in casual and business contexts.
I went wrong in the calculation.
To do something the wrong way. Emphasizes incorrect method.
When a relationship, atmosphere, or situation deteriorates or becomes problematic.
To become bad; used for relationships, weather, conditions.
Their relationship went wrong.
To become complicated or strained; often used for relationships or negotiations that go awry.
To become awkward or bad; often used for atmosphere or mood.
The atmosphere went wrong.
When an unforeseen problem occurs, often with a nuance of things going off track.
A trouble occurs. Very common for unexpected problems.
Something went wrong during the trip.
A problem arises. More formal, used in business or technical contexts.
Something went wrong with the system.
An accident or unforeseen incident occurs. Slightly more dramatic.
Something went wrong at the event.
うまくいかない is softer and describes a situation that didn't go well, while 失敗する implies a clear failure or mistake. Use うまくいかない for everyday setbacks and 失敗する when someone is at fault or the result is definitively bad.
The presentation didn't go well, but it wasn't a failure.
Do not translate 'go wrong' literally as 間違って行く or similar. It is not natural Japanese. Use the phrases above depending on context.
パソコンが壊れた。
My computer went wrong.
I went wrong because I did it the wrong way.
話し合いがこじれた。
The discussion went wrong.