Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Failure" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "failure", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
失敗
しっぱい (shippai)
N4 / 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 失敗 and 破綻.
In Japanese, 失敗 (しっぱい (shippai)) is typically associated with "failure, mistake" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents A noun.
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 "失敗"
テストで失敗してしまった。
I failed the test.
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: "テストで ＿＿＿ してしまった。" (Meaning: "I failed the test.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "失敗" fits here because it means "failure, mistake" in the context of: "I failed the test.". "破綻" represents "failure, breakdown, collapse (of a business, relationship, plan)".