1.
breakdown, malfunction, failure
A mechanical or electrical failure causing something to stop working.
車が故障した。
The car broke down.
エレベーターは故障中です。
The elevator is out of order.
パソコンが故障して、修理に出した。
My computer broke down, so I sent it in for repair.
故障 refers to mechanical or electrical malfunctions.
VERBAL USAGE:
故障する is the verbal form (intransitive - something breaks down on its own).
COMMON EXPRESSIONS:
- 故障する: to break down, malfunction
- 故障中: out of order (seen on signs)
- 故障を直す: to fix a malfunction
- 故障の原因: cause of the breakdown
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 車が故障する: car breaks down
- エレベーターが故障する: elevator breaks down
- パソコンが故障する: computer malfunctions
RELATED WORDS:
- 修理: repair
- 壊れる: to break (more general)