Translation guide
This guide covers how to express experiencing a reversal, failure, or obstacle in Japanese, from mild delays to major defeats.
To express that a plan, project, or effort has encountered a problem or has failed to progress as expected.
The most common and versatile way to say 'suffer a setback'. It implies a significant obstacle or failure in one's efforts, often with emotional weight.
He suffered a setback in his business.
The research has hit a setback.
Means 'to fail'. Broader than 'setback', but often used when a specific attempt ends in failure.
The plan ended in failure.
Means 'to reach a deadlock' or 'to be stuck'. Used when progress stops due to an obstacle.
The negotiations have hit a setback.
A formal term meaning a plan or project has been thwarted or abandoned midway. Often used in news or business contexts.
The new airport construction plan suffered a setback.
To describe a small, temporary problem that slows progress but doesn't stop it entirely.
Literally 'to stumble'. Metaphorically, it means to encounter a small obstacle or make a mistake that causes a brief delay.
We hit a snag in the early stages of the project.
Means 'a delay occurs'. Focuses on the time aspect of a setback.
The construction suffered a setback due to bad weather.
To express a setback that affects one's morale, confidence, or life path.
An idiomatic expression meaning 'one's spirit is broken' or 'to lose heart'. Used when a setback causes emotional defeat.
I suffered so many setbacks that I lost heart.
Means 'to feel depressed' or 'to be down'. Describes the emotional state after a setback.
To describe a loss, defeat, or reversal in a competitive context.
挫折 (zasetsu) implies a setback in a process or endeavor, often with emotional frustration. 失敗 (shippai) simply means a failure or mistake. Use 挫折 when you want to emphasize the obstacle and the feeling of being thwarted.
He doesn't get discouraged by a single failure.
Do not translate 'suffer a setback' word-for-word as '後退を被る' or similar. These are unnatural. Use the phrases provided.
試験に落ちて落ち込んでいる。
I'm feeling down after failing the exam.
We lost an important match.