How to say "flaw" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 欠点けってんnounThe general word for a shortcoming or weak point: a flaw in a person's character or ability, or in a plan. The usual choice when 'flaw' means a personal shortcoming.
- 難点なんてんnounThe fault you single out when evaluating something; often the one drawback in a person or thing that is otherwise satisfactory. Essentially 'drawback' or 'the weak point' in an assessment.
- 欠陥けっかんnounA defect in a product, structure, system, or design — something actually faulty or lacking, not merely a minor shortcoming. Use for 'flaw' when the thing itself is defective.
- 瑕疵かしnounA flaw or defect in goods, workmanship, or an argument; the word of contracts and legal writing, also used for flaws in reasoning.
- 汚点おてんnounReally 'a stain or blot': a figurative blemish on a person's record, career, or reputation — a disgrace — rather than a physical defect. Only fits 'flaw' in that figurative sense; not for defects in things.
欠点 covers shortcomings of people or plans, 難点 the drawback that stands out in an evaluation, 欠陥 defects in products or structures, 瑕疵 defects in goods or reasoning, and 汚点 a figurative stain on a reputation.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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