Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Failure" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "failure", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
しっぱい
しっぱい (shippai)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
破綻
はたん (hatan)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "failure" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between しっぱい and 破綻.
In Japanese, しっぱい (しっぱい (shippai)) is typically associated with "failure, mistake" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Used when an attempt or plan does not succeed. It can be used for personal failures or project failures..
On the other hand, 破綻 (はたん (hatan)) maps to "failure, breakdown, collapse (of a business, relationship, plan)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Implies a complete collapse or failure, often irrecoverable, especially for financial institutions, businesses, or personal relationships. Can also refer to a plan or system breaking down.. A literal translation of "failure" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "しっぱい"
彼は何度も失敗を繰り返した。
He repeated his failures many times.
Bilingual Context for "破綻"
経営危機により、その会社は破綻寸前だ。
Due to the management crisis, the company is on the verge of collapse.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は何度も失敗を繰り返した。" (Meaning: "He repeated his failures many times.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "しっぱい" fits here because it means "failure, mistake" in the context of: "He repeated his failures many times.". "破綻" represents "failure, breakdown, collapse (of a business, relationship, plan)".