Translation guide
A power failure is when the electricity supply is interrupted. In Japanese, the most common word is 停電 (ていでん). There are also related terms for blackouts, blown fuses, and circuit breakers tripping.
To say that the electricity has gone out, or there is a power cut.
The standard word for a power outage or blackout. Can be used as a noun or with する to mean 'the power goes out'.
昨日、停電があった。
There was a power failure yesterday.
停電でエアコンが止まった。
The air conditioner stopped because of the power outage.
Literally 'the electricity stops'. A natural, casual way to say the power went out.
さっき電気が止まった。
The power just went out.
Verb form meaning 'to have a power outage' or 'the power goes out'.
この辺りはよく停電する。
This area often has power outages.
To refer to a power outage that is planned in advance, such as for maintenance.
Specifically a planned or scheduled power outage, often used for rolling blackouts or maintenance.
明日、計画停電が実施される。
A planned power outage will be carried out tomorrow.
To describe a widespread power failure affecting a large area.
A major or large-scale blackout. Often used in news reports.
大停電で都市機能が麻痺した。
The city's functions were paralyzed by the massive blackout.
Loanword from English 'blackout', used for large-scale power failures, especially in technical or news contexts.
ブラックアウトが発生し、広範囲で停電した。
A blackout occurred, causing a widespread power failure.
To say that the power went out in a specific part of a building because a fuse blew or a circuit breaker tripped.
The most common way to say a circuit breaker has tripped. 落ちる means 'to fall' or 'to trip'.
電子レンジを使ったらブレーカーが落ちた。
The breaker tripped when I used the microwave.
Literally 'the fuse flies', meaning a fuse has blown. Used for older fuse boxes.
ヒューズが飛んで部屋が真っ暗になった。
The fuse blew and the room went pitch dark.
停電 refers to a general power outage, often affecting a whole area. ブレーカーが落ちる is used when a circuit breaker trips inside a building, affecting only part of that building.
The English phrase 'power failure' is not used in Japanese. Always use 停電 or a related expression.