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.
エアコンが故障した。
The air conditioner malfunctioned.
プリンターが故障している。
The printer is malfunctioning.
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.
センサーが誤作動した。
The sensor malfunctioned (gave a false reading).
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.
Means 'to break' or 'to be broken'. More casual than 故障する and often implies physical damage or complete failure.
テレビが壊れた。
The TV broke (malfunctioned).
A formal way to say 'a malfunction occurs' or 'a defect arises'. Often used in technical or business contexts.
システムに不具合が生じた。
A malfunction occurred in the system.
A technical term meaning 'malfunction' or 'improper operation', used in manuals and specifications.
動作不良の原因を調査中です。
We are investigating the cause of the malfunction.
Slang derived from 'bug', meaning to glitch or malfunction, used for software or games.
アプリがバグってる。
The app is glitching/malfunctioning.
Means 'poor condition' or 'not working well'. Can be used for machines or body parts.
パソコンの調子が悪い。
The computer is acting up (malfunctioning).
Means 'dysfunction' or 'functional failure'. Used for systems, organizations, or body parts.
システムの機能不全が報告された。
A system malfunction was reported.
Means 'obstacle', 'fault', or 'failure'. Often used in IT contexts for system outages or malfunctions.
サーバーに障害が発生した。
A server malfunction occurred.