Translation guide
The English word "dysfunction" refers to impaired or abnormal functioning, often in systems, organs, relationships, or social contexts. In Japanese, the translation depends heavily on the specific domain. This guide covers the most common ways to express this concept naturally.
To describe a system, organization, or process that is not working properly.
The most direct and common translation for 'dysfunction' in formal or technical contexts, meaning 'functional failure' or 'malfunction'. Used for organs, systems, organizations, etc.
この組織は深刻な機能不全に陥っている。
This organization is suffering from serious dysfunction.
肝臓の機能不全が診断された。
Liver dysfunction was diagnosed.
Often used in medical or technical contexts for 'functional disorder' or 'impairment'. Slightly more clinical than 機能不全.
腎機能障害の患者が増えている。
Patients with kidney dysfunction are increasing.
A suffix meaning 'insufficiency' or 'failure', commonly attached to organ names (e.g., 心不全 = heart failure). Not used alone for general dysfunction.
心不全は心臓の機能不全です。
Heart failure is a dysfunction of the heart.
To describe unhealthy patterns in families or interpersonal relationships.
The standard term for 'dysfunctional family' in psychology and social work.
彼女は機能不全家族で育った。
She grew up in a dysfunctional family.
A more everyday way to say 'family with problems', less clinical than 機能不全家族.
彼は問題のある家族から逃げ出した。
He ran away from his dysfunctional family.
A less common term meaning 'relationship dysfunction', sometimes used in psychology.
夫婦間の関係不全が離婚の原因だ。
Marital dysfunction is the cause of the divorce.
To describe a society, government, or institution that is failing to function properly.
Same as general dysfunction, but applied to social systems. Often used with words like 社会 (society) or 政治 (politics).
政治の機能不全が国民の不信を招いている。
Political dysfunction is causing public distrust.
Literally 'system fatigue', used to describe institutional dysfunction due to outdated or overburdened systems.
To refer to medical conditions affecting sexual function.
The standard medical term for 'sexual dysfunction'.
性機能不全の治療法は多様化している。
Treatments for sexual dysfunction are diversifying.
Abbreviation for 'erectile dysfunction', commonly used in Japanese as a loanword acronym.
ED治療薬が広く使われている。
Erectile dysfunction medications are widely used.
While 異常 (abnormality) can sometimes overlap with dysfunction, it is broader and often implies something strange or unusual rather than a failure of function. Use 機能不全 for systemic failure.
Japanese often specifies the domain (e.g., 肝機能, 政治機能) before adding 不全 or 障害. When in doubt, use 機能不全 as a safe general term.
この制度疲労は改革を必要としている。
This institutional dysfunction requires reform.