Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Defect" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "defect", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
欠陥
けっかん (kekkan)
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 欠陥 and 瑕疵.
In Japanese, 欠陥 (けっかん (kekkan)) is typically associated with "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..
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 "欠陥"
この製品には設計上の欠陥がある。
This product has a design defect.
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: "この製品には設計上の ＿＿＿ がある。" (Meaning: "This product has a design defect.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "欠陥" fits here because it means "defect; flaw; shortcoming" in the context of: "This product has a design defect.". "瑕疵" represents "defect, flaw, blemish".