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
瑕疵
かし (kashi)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "defect" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 不備 and 瑕疵.
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, 瑕疵 (かし (kashi)) maps to "defect, flaw, blemish" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Often used in formal contexts, especially legal or business, when referring to faults in products, contracts, or characters.. 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 "瑕疵"
この製品には製造上の小さな瑕疵があるため、交換が必要です。
This product has a small manufacturing defect, so it needs to be replaced.
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.". "瑕疵" represents "defect, flaw, blemish".