Translation guide
A short circuit is an electrical fault where current flows along an unintended path, often causing a power failure. In Japanese, the most common term is ショート, but there are also more technical expressions. This guide covers how to talk about short circuits in everyday and technical contexts.
Referring to an unintended electrical connection that causes a failure.
The most common and casual term for a short circuit. Used in everyday conversation.
コンセントがショートした。
The outlet short-circuited.
ショートが原因で停電になった。
A short circuit caused a power outage.
The formal technical term for a short circuit. Used in engineering contexts or written explanations.
The verb form meaning 'to short-circuit'. Often used with electrical devices.
水が入って機械がショートした。
Water got in and the machine short-circuited.
The formal verb form. Used in technical documentation.
配線が短絡する可能性があります。
There is a possibility that the wiring will short-circuit.
ショート is the everyday word, while 短絡 is technical. Use ショート in conversation and 短絡 in formal reports or engineering contexts.
テレビがショートした。
The TV short-circuited.
短絡電流を測定する。
Measure the short-circuit current.
この回路は短絡しています。
This circuit is short-circuited.