Translation guide
A product that is flawed or not working correctly. In Japanese, this is commonly expressed with 不良品 (defective product) or 欠陥品 (defective item), but the phrasing depends on context and formality.
Referring to a manufactured product that has a flaw or does not work properly.
The most common and general term for a defective product. Used in business, retail, and everyday contexts.
この不良品を交換してもらえますか？
Can I get this defective product exchanged?
不良品が混ざっていた。
There was a defective item mixed in.
Emphasizes a defect or flaw, often used in formal or technical contexts. Slightly stronger than 不良品.
欠陥品による事故が発生した。
An accident occurred due to a defective product.
A softer, more descriptive phrase meaning 'product with a malfunction'. Common in customer service.
不具合のある商品は返品できます。
Products with defects can be returned.
Similar to 欠陥品 but explicitly refers to commercial goods. Used in legal or consumer protection contexts.
欠陥商品のリコールが発表された。
A recall of defective products was announced.
Referring to a specific part or component that is defective, often in manufacturing or repair contexts.
Standard term for a defective part or component.
不良部品が原因で機械が停止した。
The machine stopped due to a defective part.
Emphasizes a flaw in the part, often used in quality control reports.
欠陥部品の交換が必要です。
Replacement of the defective part is necessary.
Describing one defective item among many, such as in a shipment or collection.
A simple phrase meaning 'defective item', often used when sorting or checking goods.
不良の品は別に分けてください。
Please separate the defective items.
Literally 'damaged item', used for goods with physical damage like scratches or dents. Often used in retail or second-hand sales.
これは傷物なので安くします。
This is a damaged item, so I'll give you a discount.
Used in formal business or legal contexts to refer to defective goods as a category.
Legal term meaning 'goods with defects'. Used in contracts or consumer law.
瑕疵ある商品は返品対象となります。
Defective goods are subject to return.
The English phrase 'defective article' is not directly translated as one word in Japanese. Instead, use compound nouns like 不良品 or 欠陥品 depending on context. 'Article' in the sense of 'item' is usually 品 (ひん) or 商品 (しょうひん).
不良品 is the everyday term for a defective product. 欠陥品 is more formal and emphasizes a serious flaw or design defect. In casual conversation, 不良品 is preferred.