Translation guide
To fail to work or operate correctly. Covers mechanical, electronic, and system failures.
To say that a machine, device, or system is not working properly or has stopped working.
The most common and general verb for malfunction, breakdown, or failure of machines, equipment, or vehicles.
The air conditioner malfunctioned.
The printer is malfunctioning.
Means 'to break' or 'to be broken'. More casual than 故障する and often implies physical damage or complete failure.
The TV broke (malfunctioned).
A formal way to say 'a malfunction occurs' or 'a defect arises'. Often used in technical or business contexts.
A malfunction occurred in the system.
A technical term meaning 'malfunction' or 'improper operation', used in manuals and specifications.
We are investigating the cause of the malfunction.
To describe a minor, often temporary malfunction, especially in software or electronics.
Means 'to malfunction' in the sense of operating incorrectly or erroneously, often due to a glitch or external factor.
The sensor malfunctioned (gave a false reading).
Slang derived from 'bug', meaning to glitch or malfunction, used for software or games.
Means 'poor condition' or 'not working well'. Can be used for machines or body parts.
To refer to a malfunction in a larger system, process, or plan.
While 故障 (koshō) is the noun form, it's often more natural to use the verb 故障する or describe the state with 故障している rather than saying 'a malfunction happened'.
故障する is more formal and implies a functional failure, while 壊れる is more casual and often suggests physical breakage. Use 故障する for machines and electronics in most situations.
The app is glitching/malfunctioning.
パソコンの調子が悪い。
The computer is acting up (malfunctioning).
サーバーに障害が発生した。
A server malfunction occurred.