Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Defect" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "defect", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
不備
ふび (fubi)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
欠陥
けっかん (kekkan)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "defect" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 不備 and 欠陥.
In Japanese, 不備 (ふび (fubi)) is typically associated with "defect, flaw, inadequacy, incompleteness" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Indicates that something is not complete, perfect, or sufficient. Often used for documents, systems, or procedures..
On the other hand, 欠陥 (けっかん (kekkan)) maps to "defect; flaw; shortcoming" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to a fault or imperfection in an object, system, or person. Often implies that something is not functioning correctly or is incomplete.. A literal translation of "defect" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "不備"
提出書類に不備があったため、再提出を求められた。
There was a defect in the submitted documents, so I was asked to resubmit them.
Bilingual Context for "欠陥"
この製品には設計上の欠陥がある。
This product has a design defect.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "提出書類に ＿＿＿ があったため、再提出を求められた。" (Meaning: "There was a defect in the submitted documents, so I was asked to resubmit them.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "不備" fits here because it means "defect, flaw, inadequacy, incompleteness" in the context of: "There was a defect in the submitted documents, so I was asked to resubmit them.". "欠陥" represents "defect; flaw; shortcoming".