Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Breakdown" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "breakdown", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
故障
こしょう (koshou)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
内訳
うちわけ (uchiwake)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "breakdown" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 故障 and 内訳.
In Japanese, 故障 (こしょう (koshou)) is typically associated with "breakdown, failure, malfunction" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents A noun.
On the other hand, 内訳 (うちわけ (uchiwake)) maps to "breakdown, itemization, details" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Used to show how a total amount or category is divided into its constituent parts or detailed items.. A literal translation of "breakdown" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "故障"
昨日、車のエンジンが故障した。
Yesterday, my car's engine broke down.
Bilingual Context for "内訳"
費用の内訳を教えてください。
Please tell me the breakdown of the expenses.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "昨日、車のエンジンが ＿＿＿ した。" (Meaning: "Yesterday, my car's engine broke down.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "故障" fits here because it means "breakdown, failure, malfunction" in the context of: "Yesterday, my car's engine broke down.". "内訳" represents "breakdown, itemization, details".