How to say "defect" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 欠陥けっかんnounCovers defects in products, structures, or systems — something faulty in design or manufacture. The usual word for a defective part or a product recall.
- 短所たんしょnounRarely the word you want for a physical defect; it really means a weak point, shortcoming, or disadvantage of a person, plan, or method, contrasted with merits.
- 不備ふびna-adjective, no-adjectiveRefers to inadequacy or deficiency — something incomplete or imperfectly arranged, such as unsound procedures, documents, or preparations, rather than a flaw in an object.
- 欠点けってんnounCovers faults, flaws, and weak points, whether of things or of people's character. A good general choice when 'defect' means a shortcoming rather than a manufacturing fault.
- 瑕疵かしnounA flaw or defect in goods, works, or quality, common in commercial and legal usage such as warranty claims for defective merchandise; somewhat formal.
Use 欠陥 or 欠点 for flaws and faults, 不備 for deficiencies in plans or procedures, 短所 for weak points or disadvantages, and 瑕疵 for flaws in goods or legal contexts.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
This browser can't play pronunciations (needs Safari 18.4 or later, or Chrome / Edge / Firefox).
