Translation and Meaning of: 故障 - koshou

If you are studying Japanese or are curious about the language, you may have come across the word 故障[こしょう]. It appears in everyday situations, especially when something is not functioning as it should. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is used in Japan, as well as tips for memorizing it effectively.

故障 is one of those words that every Japanese student needs to know, as it is directly related to technical and mechanical problems. Whether in electronics, vehicles, or even systems, understanding its usage can prevent confusion. Let's dive into the details of this expression and discover how the Japanese use it in their daily lives.

The meaning and use of 故障

The word 故障 means "breakdown," "defect," or "failure." It is mainly used to describe when an object or system stops functioning properly. For example, if a computer has issues, a Japanese person might say "パソコンが故障した" (pasokon ga koshou shita), indicating that the device has broken down.

Unlike more generic like 問題 (mondai, "problem"), 故障 has a more technical meaning. It does not apply to abstract issues, but rather to concrete failures in machines, devices, or structures. This detail is important to avoid inappropriate uses in conversations or texts.

The origin and composition of 故障

Analyzing the kanjis that form 故障, we can better understand their meaning. The first character, 故 (ko), carries the idea of "cause" or "reason," while 障 (shou) means "obstacle" or "barrier." Together, they convey the notion of something that has been prevented from functioning due to a specific cause.

Despite its Chinese origin, the combination of these kanji has solidified in Japanese with a more technical meaning. Historical dictionaries show that 故障 was already used in the Edo period to refer to problems in equipment, highlighting its long history in the language.

Tips for memorizing 故障

An effective way to memorize 故障 is to associate it with practical situations. Think of devices that can "break" – cell phones, cars, elevators – and create simple sentences like "The elevator is broken" (エレベーターが故障している). This contextual method helps to retain not only the word but also its correct application.

Another strategy is to focus on visual components. The kanji 障, for example, appears in other words related to obstacles, such as 障害 (shougai, "obstacle" or "disability"). Noticing these connections makes learning easier and expands vocabulary in an organic way.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 不具合 (bugui) - Defect or problem in a system or device.
• 故障 (koshō) - Breakdown or failure of a piece of equipment.
• 動作不良 (dōsafuryō) - Malfunction or improper operation of a device.
• 壊れる (kowareru) - Break or rupture, indicating a state of non-functionality.
• 不調 (fuchō) - Inadequate performance or operation, often indicating deterioration.
• ダウン (daun) - Downtime or inactivity, often used in technology.
• エラー (erā) - Error or failure that occurs during operation.
• 問題 (mondai) - Question or problem to be solved.
• 異常 (ijō) - Anomaly or abnormal operating condition.
• 故意 (koi) - Intentionality behind an action, different from an accidental failure.
• 故障状態 (koshōjōtai) - Device failure state.
• 障害 (shōgai) - Difficulty or hindrance, often related to malfunction.
• 落ちる (ochiru) - Crash or shutdown indicates a sudden failure.
• クラッシュ (kurasshu) - Total collapse of a system or software.
• ハングアップ (hangup) - When a device freezes or stops functioning temporarily.
• フリーズする (furīzu suru) - Frozen, indicating that a device has stopped responding.
• 中断する (chūdan suru) - Interrupt an operation or process.
• 異常終了する (ijō shūryō suru) - Abnormal termination of a process or operation.
• エラーが発生する (erā ga hassei suru) - Indicates that an error occurred.
• エラーが出る (erā ga deru) - It means that an error is shown or reported.