Gaining the ability to express that something is not working in Japanese can be quite useful in your daily conversations. Whether you encounter technical issues, broken appliances, or malfunctioning equipment, knowing how to communicate this effectively will help you seek assistance and solve the problem. In this guide, we will explore formal and informal ways to express that something is not working in Japanese. We will also touch on some regional variations to enhance your understanding. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Something Is Not Working
Formal language is typically used in professional settings, official conversations, or when speaking to someone of higher status. Here are some formal phrases you can use when something is not working:
1. すみませんが、〇〇が動きません。
Sumimasen ga, ____ ga ugokimasen.
すみませんが、エアコンが動きません。
Sumimasen ga, eakon ga ugokimasen.
Excuse me, but the air conditioner is not working.
2. 申し訳ありませんが、〇〇が故障しています。
Moushiwake arimasen ga, ____ ga koshou shiteimasu.
申し訳ありませんが、パソコンが故障しています。
Moushiwake arimasen ga, pasokon ga koshou shiteimasu.
I’m sorry, but the computer is malfunctioning.
Informal Ways to Say Something Is Not Working
Informal language is used between friends, family members, or in casual situations. It’s important to note that using informal language with someone unfamiliar or of higher status can be considered impolite. Here are some informal phrases to help you express that something is not working:
1. あれ、〇〇が動かない。
Are, ____ ga ugokanai.
あれ、テレビが動かない。
Are, terebi ga ugokanai.
Hey, the TV is not working.
2. 彼、〇〇が全然使えないんだって。
Kare, ____ ga zenzen tsukaenain datte.
彼、スマホが全然使えないんだって。
Kare, sumaho ga zenzen tsukaenain datte.
He says his smartphone isn’t working at all.
Regional Variations
Japan consists of various regions, each having its own unique dialects and expressions. While the phrases mentioned above are widely understood, regional variations exist. Here’s an example of a regional way to say something is not working:
1. ん～、〇〇せんねん。
N~, ____ sen nen.
ん～、エラーせんねん。
N~, eraa sen nen.
Hmm, there’s an error.
Remember, regional variations may not be universally understood, so it’s advisable to stick to more commonly used expressions when communicating with people from different areas of Japan.
Additional Tips for Effective Communication
1. Be Polite
In Japanese culture, politeness is highly valued. Always try to use polite expressions when speaking to someone unfamiliar or in a formal context. Using respectful language will help ensure smooth communication and positive interactions.
2. Provide Context
When explaining that something is not working, try to provide necessary context to help the person understand the issue better. For instance, specify the device or equipment that is malfunctioning, describe the problem or error message, and explain what actions you have already taken to troubleshoot.
3. Use Non-Verbal Communication
In certain situations, using non-verbal communication can be helpful. If necessary, demonstrate the issue physically or use hand gestures to help convey the problem you are facing. Non-verbal cues can bridge language barriers and facilitate understanding.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have learned various ways to say something is not working in Japanese. Remember to adapt your language based on the formality of the situation and the person you are speaking with. Politeness and providing context are key to effective communication. Whether you need to report a malfunctioning appliance or seek technical assistance, these phrases will undoubtedly help you navigate these situations with ease. Keep practicing, and you’ll soon become a confident communicator in Japanese!
