How to say "breakdown" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 故障こしょうnoun, suru verb, intransitive verbThis is the word for a machine or piece of equipment failing to work — a car, an appliance, a computer. Use it when something mechanical breaks down.
- 破綻はたんnoun, suru verb, intransitive verbCovers breakdown as collapse or failure — a plan, a business, or personal finances falling apart, and by extension a marriage breaking up. The thing involved can no longer hold together.
- 内訳うちわけnounThe noun for a breakdown in the accounting sense: an itemized listing of what something consists of, such as the breakdown of expenses or costs. It names the detailed figures themselves, not a failure.内訳はどのようにしましょう？↗How would you like these items?
- 衰弱すいじゃくsuru verb, intransitive verb, no-adjectiveCovers breakdown as physical weakening: the body or one's health declining until strength is gone, as after long illness or hardship. Think of debility and prostration rather than a sudden failure.
- 決裂けつれつnoun, suru verb, intransitive verbThe word for a breakdown of talks or negotiations: the parties fail to agree and the discussions are broken off. It fits ruptured negotiations, not machines or plans.
Pick by sense: use 故障 for a machine failing, 破綻 for a plan, business or marriage collapsing, 内訳 for an itemized breakdown of figures, 衰弱 for failing health, and 決裂 for talks breaking down.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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