故障（こしょう、koshou）
- breakdown

The Japanese word 故障 故障 means "breakdown," "failure," "malfunction," or "trouble." It refers to a situation where a machine, system, device, or other object is not working correctly or has stopped working altogether. It implies that something is not functioning as intended due to a technical problem or some kind of defect. It can apply to a wide range of things, from cars and appliances to computer software and even human health (though less commonly).

⚫︎ 車の故障 Translation: Car breakdown. ⚫︎ エアコンが故障しました。 Translation: The air conditioner broke down. ⚫︎ このパソコンはいつも故障ばかりです。 Translation: This computer always has problems/is always malfunctioning.

⚫︎ You would use 故障 故障 when describing something that is not working correctly. ⚫︎ It is commonly used when reporting a problem or issue with a machine or device. ⚫︎ You can use it in various situations, such as when calling a repair service or explaining a technical difficulty.

⚫︎ The word 故障 故障 is primarily written in Kanji. ⚫︎ The reading, こしょう, is written in Hiragana. ⚫︎ There are no common variations in okurigana.

⚫︎ 不具合 (fugai) - problem, defect, malfunction (more general and can apply to non-mechanical things) ⚫︎ トラブル (toraburu) - trouble, problem (loanword) ⚫︎ 異常 (ijou) - abnormality, malfunction (implies something is not normal) ⚫︎ 不調 (fuchou) - out of order, not functioning well

⚫︎ 正常 (seijou) - normal, proper condition ⚫︎ 作動 (sakudou) - operation, working ⚫︎ 順調 (junjyou) - going well, favorable

新しい洗濯機がすぐに故障してしまいました。 ・Translation: The new washing machine broke down immediately. ・Explanation: This sentence describes the sudden breakdown of a newly purchased washing machine.

電車が故障で遅れています。 ・Translation: The train is delayed due to a breakdown. ・Explanation: This sentence explains why the train is late – because of a malfunction.

The word 故障 故障 is a combination of two kanji: 故 (ko) meaning "cause" or "reason," and 障 (shou) meaning "obstruction" or "impediment." Together, they combine to describe the cause of an obstruction or impediment to proper function, hence "breakdown" or "malfunction."