Translation guide
The English word "breakdown" covers several distinct meanings, from mechanical failure to emotional collapse to detailed analysis. This guide separates those meanings and gives natural Japanese expressions for each.
When a machine, vehicle, or system stops working.
General term for breakdown or malfunction of machines, equipment, or vehicles.
車が故障した。
The car broke down.
エアコンが故障している。
The air conditioner is broken.
Literally "stops moving," a common casual way to say something broke down.
パソコンが動かなくなった。
My computer broke down.
Physical damage or breakage, often used in formal or technical contexts.
機械の破損が原因で生産が止まった。
Production stopped due to a breakdown of the machinery.
When a person becomes unable to function normally due to stress, exhaustion, or mental health issues.
A natural way to say someone is mentally overwhelmed or having a breakdown. 参る is a humble verb often used to describe one's own state.
仕事のストレスで精神的に参ってしまった。
I had a breakdown from work stress.
Literally "become neurotic," often used for a nervous breakdown. Slightly dated but still common.
彼は過労でノイローゼになった。
He had a breakdown from overwork.
Nervous or physical debility, often used in medical or formal contexts.
When you break something down into parts, components, or steps for explanation or understanding.
A breakdown of figures, costs, or items; a detailed listing of components.
費用の内訳を教えてください。
Please give me a breakdown of the costs.
Analysis; often used for breaking down information or data.
To explain by breaking down into parts; a verbal phrase for giving a breakdown.
この問題を分解して説明してくれませんか。
Can you break down this problem for me?
When talks, negotiations, or a relationship collapses.
Breakdown of negotiations, talks, or relations; implies a complete rupture.
交渉は決裂した。
The negotiations broke down.
Collapse or failure, used for relationships, plans, or systems.
To reach a deadlock or impasse; talks break down.
When a substance breaks down into simpler components.
Decomposition, breakdown; used in chemistry and biology.
このプラスチックは自然に分解されない。
This plastic does not break down naturally.
Decomposition, rotting; specifically for organic matter.
The English word "breakdown" is highly polysemous. Do not assume a single Japanese word covers all meanings. Always choose the expression that matches the specific context (mechanical, emotional, analytical, etc.).
故障 (koshō) is the most common word for mechanical breakdown, implying a functional failure. 破損 (hason) refers to physical breakage or damage, often used in formal reports.
精神的に参る (seishinteki ni mairu) is a natural, humble way to say you are mentally overwhelmed. It is less clinical than ノイローゼ and suitable for everyday conversation.
高速道路で車が故障した。
My car broke down on the highway.
彼女は離婚の後、精神的に参ってしまった。
She had a breakdown after the divorce.
経費の内訳を教えてもらえますか。
Can you give me a breakdown of the expenses?
神経衰弱で入院した。
He was hospitalized for a nervous breakdown.
データの詳細な分析が必要だ。
We need a detailed breakdown of the data.
Their relationship broke down.
話し合いが行き詰まった。
The discussion broke down.
The breakdown of the corpse was advanced.