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고장내다

A2 verb 10 min read

고장내다

gojangnaeda

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 고장내다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 고장내다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should focus on the basic meaning of '고장내다' as 'to break' something like a toy or a phone. You are learning that Korean has many words for 'break,' but this one is for things that have parts inside. You will mostly use it in the past tense, '고장냈어요' (I broke it), or as a question, '고장냈어요?' (Did you break it?). It is important to remember the object marker '을/를' with this word. Even at this early stage, try to notice that '고장내다' is an action you do, while '고장나다' is just something that happens. This will help you build a strong foundation for Korean verbs. You might use it when talking about simple things like '장난감을 고장냈어요' (I broke the toy). Don't worry about complex grammar yet; just focus on identifying when a person is the cause of the breakdown.

At the A2 level, you can start using '고장내다' in more complete sentences with reasons. For example, '실수로 고장냈어요' (I broke it by mistake). You should be able to distinguish between '고장내다' and '고장나다' in multiple-choice questions. You will also learn to use it with connecting words like '-서' (because) or '-고' (and). For instance, '컴퓨터를 고장내서 미안해요' (I'm sorry because I broke the computer). At this level, you are becoming more aware of the 'causative' nature of '내다'. You should also begin to recognize the word in daily conversations, especially when someone is asking who is responsible for a broken item. Practice using it with common household objects like televisions, remote controls, and kitchen appliances. You are also learning to form negative sentences like '안 고장냈어요' (I didn't break it).

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using '고장내다' in various tenses and with more complex grammar structures like '-아/어 버리다' to express regret. '동생이 제 노트북을 고장내 버렸어요' (My sibling ended up breaking my laptop) is a great example. You should also understand the nuance of responsibility that '고장내다' carries. You can start comparing it with synonyms like '망가뜨리다' and know that '고장내다' is more specific to functional failure. You might use this word in professional settings to admit a mistake or in stories to describe a character's actions. Your understanding of the Hanja roots (故障) will help you remember the word. You should also be able to use it in the 'if' form, such as '고장내면 안 돼요' (You must not break it). This level requires you to be precise about which 'breaking' verb to use based on the object.

At the B2 level, you can use '고장내다' fluently in social and professional contexts. You understand that using this word can sometimes sound accusatory, so you know how to soften it with expressions like '-ㄴ/은 것 같아요' (It seems like...). For example, '제가 기계를 고장낸 것 같아요' (It seems I broke the machine). You are familiar with the formal counterpart '파손하다' and when to use it in written reports. You can also handle metaphorical uses or more technical descriptions of causing a system to fail. Your ability to distinguish between '고장내다', '부수다', and '깨다' should be near-perfect. You might participate in discussions about liability or repair costs where this word is central. You also recognize it in news headlines or more advanced reading materials that discuss property damage or technological failures.

At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the subtle social implications of '고장내다'. You can use it in high-level debates about agency and cause. You might explore how the word is used in literature to symbolize a character's destructive nature or their inability to handle modern life. You understand the historical development of the word and its Hanja components. You can use '고장내다' in complex causative constructions and passive-active transformations. Your vocabulary includes very specific technical terms for different types of failures, and you use '고장내다' as a general but precise term for functional disruption. You can also discuss the differences in usage between various Korean dialects or age groups, noting how slang might replace this word in certain youth contexts. You are sensitive to the tone of the word, whether it's used in a playful, serious, or legalistic way.

At the C2 level, your mastery of '고장내다' is indistinguishable from a native speaker. You understand the most obscure metaphorical uses and can use the word in creative writing to convey specific nuances of action and consequence. You can analyze the word's role in the Korean linguistic system, comparing it with causative verbs in other languages. You are fully aware of the legal definitions of 'causing damage' (파손) versus everyday 'breaking' (고장내다) and can navigate both registers with ease. You can use the word in puns, jokes, or sophisticated sarcasm. Your understanding includes the psychological weight the word carries in a culture that values the preservation of shared resources. You can provide detailed explanations to others about the word's usage, just as you are reading now, and you can effortlessly switch between '고장내다' and its many synonyms to suit any possible context or audience.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

고장내다 in 30 Seconds

Transitive verb meaning to break a machine or device.
Focuses on the person or cause of the breakdown.
Used for items with internal mechanisms (cars, electronics).
Contrasts with '고장나다' which means something broke on its own.

The Korean verb 고장내다 (go-jang-nae-da) is a transitive verb that translates to 'to break something' or 'to cause something to malfunction.' It is a compound word derived from the noun 고장 (go-jang), meaning a breakdown or defect, and the causative auxiliary verb 내다 (nae-da), which means to produce, cause, or bring about. Understanding this word requires a clear distinction between it and its intransitive counterpart, 고장나다 (go-jang-na-da). While '고장나다' simply describes the state of something being broken (e.g., 'The car broke down'), '고장내다' implies an agent—someone or something—that caused the failure. This nuance is vital in Korean communication because it often carries a sense of responsibility or fault.

Grammatical Function: As a transitive verb, it always requires an object, typically marked with the particles 을 or 를. For example, '컴퓨터를 고장내다' (to break the computer).

어제 산 장난감을 벌써 고장내다니 정말 속상해요. (I am so upset that you already broke the toy I bought yesterday.)

In daily life, this word is used frequently in contexts involving technology, machinery, or household appliances. If a child plays too roughly with a remote control and it stops working, the parent might say, '리모컨을 고장냈어?' (Did you break the remote?). It is not used for biological things like breaking a bone (which uses '부러뜨리다') or for objects that shatter into pieces like glass (which uses '깨다'). Instead, it specifically targets the functional failure of a system or machine. Whether the damage was intentional or accidental, '고장내다' focuses on the fact that the subject's action led to the object's non-functional state.

Contextual Usage: Commonly used in repair shops, when admitting a mistake to a boss, or when describing a clumsy friend who ruins electronics.

기계를 잘못 만져서 고장내다. (To break the machine by handling it incorrectly.)

Furthermore, '고장내다' can sometimes be used metaphorically in modern slang or literature to describe ruining a situation or a plan, though its primary usage remains physical. In professional settings, using this word involves an admission of error. If an employee says, '제가 복사기를 고장냈습니다,' they are taking full ownership of the malfunction. This contrasts with saying '복사기가 고장났습니다' (The copier broke), which sounds like an unavoidable accident or a natural end-of-life for the machine. Therefore, choosing between '내다' and '나다' is a significant social choice in Korean culture, reflecting one's willingness to accept responsibility.

Social Nuance: Using this word about yourself is an apology; using it about others can be an accusation.

동생이 내 노트북을 또 고장냈어. (My younger sibling broke my laptop again.)

Mastering 고장내다 involves understanding its conjugation and its relationship with the object of the sentence. Since it is a causative verb, it follows standard Korean verb conjugation patterns but requires an object (the thing that was broken). The most common form used in conversation is the past tense, 고장냈다, because we usually talk about breaking something after the event has occurred. However, the present and future tenses are equally important for warnings or describing habits.

Conjugation Examples: Present: 고장내요 (Polite), 고장낸다 (Plain). Past: 고장냈어요 (Polite), 고장냈다 (Plain). Future: 고장낼 거예요 (Polite), 고장내겠다 (Determined).

그렇게 험하게 쓰면 시계를 고장낼 거야. (If you use it roughly like that, you will break the watch.)

When constructing sentences, pay close attention to the particles. The item being broken must take the object marker -을/를. If you use the subject marker -이/가, the sentence becomes grammatically incorrect or requires the verb '고장나다'. For example, '시계가 고장냈다' is wrong because a watch cannot 'cause a breakdown' to itself in this transitive sense. It should be '내가 시계를 고장냈다' (I broke the watch) or '시계가 고장났다' (The watch broke down).

In complex sentences, '고장내다' can be combined with connecting particles like -어서/아서 (because) or -는데 (but/and). For instance, '동생이 컴퓨터를 고장내서 수리점에 갔어요' (My brother broke the computer, so I went to the repair shop). Here, the action of breaking the computer is the reason for the subsequent action. You can also use it with honorifics when talking about someone of higher status, although it is rare to use such a 'blaming' word toward a superior. Instead, you might use more formal vocabulary like '파손하다' (to damage) in official reports.

누가 에어컨을 고장냈는지 모르겠어요. (I don't know who broke the air conditioner.)

Sentence Patterns: [Subject] + [Object]-을/를 + [고장내다 Conjugation]. [Object]-을/를 + 고장내지 마세요 (Don't break [Object]).

Finally, consider the negative form. To say you didn't break something, you can use '안 고장냈어요' or '고장내지 않았어요.' This is a common defense when someone accuses you of breaking an item. '저는 그거 안 고장냈어요! 원래 고장나 있었어요!' (I didn't break that! It was already broken!). This sentence perfectly illustrates the contrast between the active '고장내다' and the state '고장나다'.

핸드폰을 물에 빠뜨려서 고장내지 않도록 조심해. (Be careful not to drop your phone in water and break it.)

You will encounter 고장내다 in various real-life scenarios in Korea, ranging from domestic disputes to professional environments. One of the most common places is within a family setting. Parents often use this word when speaking to children who are rough with their belongings. It serves as both a question of fact and a mild scolding. You might hear a mother sighing, '또 고장냈니?' (Did you break it again?), which carries a tone of exasperation. In this context, the word is deeply tied to the concept of taking care of one's possessions.

Common Setting: The Repair Shop: When you take a device to a service center (AS 센터), the technician might ask how it happened. If you say, '제가 실수로 고장냈어요' (I broke it by mistake), it helps them diagnose the issue as user-inflicted damage rather than a manufacturing defect.

고객님, 기계를 분해하시다가 고장내신 것 같네요. (Customer, it looks like you broke the machine while trying to disassemble it.)

In the office, '고장내다' is used when equipment like printers, coffee machines, or shared laptops stop working due to someone's misuse. However, because it is a direct word that assigns blame, employees often use it carefully. Instead of saying '김 대리님이 고장냈어요' (Manager Kim broke it), which could be seen as rude or 'snitching,' they might use the passive '고장 났어요' (It broke) to maintain harmony, unless the person responsible is admitting it themselves. In dramas or variety shows, you often see a 'clumsy character' (often called '똥손' or 'hand of poop') who is constantly '고장내다'-ing everything they touch.

Another interesting place you'll hear this is in gaming or tech communities. If a user tries to 'overclock' their PC or 'root' their phone and it stops working, they will post online saying, '제 폰 제가 고장냈는데 어떡하죠?' (I broke my phone myself, what should I do?). Here, the use of '고장내다' clarifies that the issue wasn't a software bug but a result of the user's manual intervention. It's a word of agency, showing that the power to break things—and hopefully fix them—lies with the person.

아이들이 장난치다가 텔레비전을 고장냈어요. (The kids were playing around and broke the TV.)

Media Usage: In news reports about vandalism, you might hear '공공시설을 고장내다' (to break public facilities), though '파손하다' is more common in formal journalism.

The most frequent mistake learners make with 고장내다 is confusing it with 고장나다. While they look similar, their grammatical roles are opposite. '고장나다' is an intransitive verb (자동사), meaning the subject is the thing that is broken (e.g., 'The car broke'). '고장내다' is a transitive verb (타동사), meaning the subject is the person who broke the object. If you say '자동차가 고장냈다,' you are saying 'The car broke [something else],' which usually isn't what you mean. Always remember: Something-이/가 고장나다 vs. Someone-이/가 Something-을/를 고장내다.

Incorrect vs. Correct: Wrong: 기계가 고장냈어요 (The machine broke [something]). Correct: 기계가 고장났어요 (The machine broke down). Correct: 제가 기계를 고장냈어요 (I broke the machine).

실수로 고장내다 (To break by mistake) - vs - 저절로 고장나다 (To break by itself).

Another mistake is using '고장내다' for non-mechanical objects. Learners often try to use it for a broken heart, a broken glass, or a broken stick. In Korean, these require different verbs. For glass or ceramics, use 깨다 (to break/smash). For long, thin objects like sticks or bones, use 부러뜨리다 (to snap/break). For paper or fabric, use 찢다 (to tear). '고장내다' is strictly reserved for things with internal mechanisms or functions, like watches, computers, cars, and appliances.

Over-using '고장내다' when you want to be polite is also a common social error. If you are at a friend's house and their toaster stops working while you are using it, saying '내가 고장냈어' (I broke it) might sound like you are taking too much credit for its demise if it was already old. In such cases, Koreans often use the passive '고장났어요' followed by an apology to sound less blunt, like '어떡하죠? 제가 쓰다가 고장난 것 같아요' (What should I do? It seems to have broken while I was using it). This shifts the focus from your 'action' to the 'event' of the breakdown.

Vocabulary Nuance: Don't confuse with '망가뜨리다'. While similar, '망가뜨리다' is broader and can apply to toys, shapes, or even plans, whereas '고장내다' is more technical.

컵을 고장내다 (X) -> 컵을 깨다 (O). 다리를 고장내다 (X) -> 다리를 부러뜨리다 (O).

To enrich your Korean vocabulary, it is essential to know the synonyms and alternatives to 고장내다. The most common synonym is 망가뜨리다 (mang-ga-tteu-ri-da). While '고장내다' is specific to machinery and functions, '망가뜨리다' is much broader. You can '망가뜨리다' a sandcastle, a piece of clothing, or even someone's mood. If you break a toy's physical shape, use '망가뜨리다'; if you make its electronic sound stop working, '고장내다' is more precise.

Comparison: 고장내다 vs. 망가뜨리다: 고장내다: Focuses on functional failure (won't turn on, won't run). 망가뜨리다: Focuses on physical damage or ruining the state of something (crushed, torn, ruined).

자전거를 고장냈어요 (The gears don't work) vs 자전거를 망가뜨렸어요 (The frame is bent).

In more formal or technical contexts, you might use 파손하다 (pa-son-ha-da). This word is often found in legal documents, insurance claims, or official signs (e.g., '기물 파손 금지' - Do not damage property). It implies a more serious or physical type of damage. Another formal alternative is 훼손하다 (hwe-son-ha-da), which is often used for damaging reputation, documents, or nature. If you 'break' a public computer, a news report would say you '컴퓨터를 파손했다' rather than '고장냈다'.

For specific types of 'breaking,' remember the verbs mentioned in the mistakes section: 깨다 (glass/ceramic), 부러뜨리다 (long objects/bones), and 찢다 (paper). There is also 버리다 (to ruin/spoil), which is used when you ruin a task or a meal. For example, '요리를 망쳐 버렸어요' (I ruined the cooking). While you can't '고장내다' a soup, you can '망치다' it. Understanding these distinctions will make your Korean sound much more natural and precise.

Register and Context: Informal: 망가뜨리다. Neutral: 고장내다. Formal/Technical: 파손하다. Destructive: 부수다.

벽을 부수다 (To smash a wall) - vs - 시계를 고장내다 (To break a watch).

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The '내다' in '고장내다' is the same '내다' used in '화내다' (to get angry/produce anger) and '돈을 내다' (to pay/produce money). It implies bringing a state into existence.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ko.dʑaŋ.nɛ.da/

US /ko.dʑaŋ.nɛ.da/

The stress is even across all syllables, typical of Korean phonology, though a slight emphasis can be placed on 'jang' to emphasize the 'breakdown' part.

Rhymes With

끝내다 (kkeut-nae-da) 꺼내다 (kkeo-nae-da) 보내다 (bo-nae-da) 지내다 (ji-nae-da) 안내다 (an-nae-da) 흉내다 (hyung-nae-da) 화내다 (hwa-nae-da) 겁내다 (geop-nae-da)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'ko' as 'kho' (aspirated).
Mixing up 'nae' with 'ne'.
Putting too much stress on the first syllable.
Pronouncing the 'ng' in 'jang' as a hard 'g'.
Failure to link 'jang' and 'nae' smoothly.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The word is common and the Hanja is recognizable for intermediate learners.

Writing 3/5

Distinguishing between '내다' and '나다' requires grammatical precision.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward, but usage requires choosing the right 'break' verb.

Listening 2/5

Commonly heard in daily life and media, easy to identify.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

고장 (Noun) 내다 (Verb) 나다 (Verb) 컴퓨터 (Noun) 기계 (Noun)

Learn Next

수리하다 (To repair) 망가뜨리다 (To ruin) 파손 (Damage) 부수다 (To smash) 고치다 (To fix)

Advanced

훼손하다 (To damage nature/reputation) 낙후되다 (To become obsolete) 오작동 (Malfunction) 결함 (Defect)

Grammar to Know

Transitive vs. Intransitive (내다 vs. 나다)

내가 고장냈다 (I broke it) vs. 저절로 고장났다 (It broke by itself).

Object Marker -을/를

컴퓨터를 고장내다 (O), 컴퓨터가 고장내다 (X).

Causative Auxiliary -내다

화내다, 겁내다, 고장내다.

-아/어 버리다 (Regret/Completion)

시계를 고장내 버렸어요.

-지 않도록 (In order not to)

고장내지 않도록 조심하세요.

Examples by Level

누가 장난감을 고장냈어요?

Who broke the toy?

누가 (Who) is the subject, 장난감을 (toy) is the object.

제가 시계를 고장냈어요.

I broke the watch.

고장냈어요 is the past polite form.

동생이 제 펜을 고장냈어요.

My younger sibling broke my pen.

동생 (younger sibling) is the person who did the action.

컴퓨터를 고장내지 마세요.

Don't break the computer.

-지 마세요 means 'don't do'.

이거 고장냈어?

Did you break this?

Informal question used with friends or children.

라디오를 고장내서 미안해요.

I'm sorry for breaking the radio.

-어서 is used here to give a reason.

아이가 카메라를 고장냈어요.

The child broke the camera.

아이가 is the subject who caused the breakdown.

어떻게 고장냈어요?

How did you break it?

어떻게 means 'how'.

기계를 잘못 만져서 고장냈어요.

I touched the machine wrong and broke it.

잘못 만져서 means 'because I touched it wrongly'.

핸드폰을 물에 빠뜨려서 고장냈어요.

I dropped my phone in water and broke it.

빠뜨려서 is the cause of the breakdown.

친구가 빌려준 게임기를 고장냈어요.

I broke the game console my friend lent me.

빌려준 (lent) describes the game console.

청소기를 고장내서 새로 사야 해요.

I broke the vacuum cleaner, so I have to buy a new one.

사야 해요 means 'must buy'.

누가 제 자전거를 고장냈는지 아세요?

Do you know who broke my bicycle?

-는지 아세요? is 'Do you know if/who...?'

텔레비전을 고장내면 아빠한테 혼나요.

If you break the TV, you'll be scolded by Dad.

-면 means 'if'.

노트북을 또 고장내면 안 됩니다.

You must not break the laptop again.

-면 안 됩니다 means 'must not'.

실수로 유리창은 깼지만 기계는 안 고장냈어요.

I broke the window by mistake, but I didn't break the machine.

Contrast between 깼다 (shattered) and 고장내다 (malfunction).

그는 만지는 것마다 고장내는 재주가 있다.

He has a knack for breaking everything he touches.

만지는 것마다 means 'every thing he touches'.

새로 산 에어컨을 하루 만에 고장내 버렸어요.

I ended up breaking the new air conditioner in just one day.

-어 버리다 expresses regret or completion.

사용법을 잘 모르고 만졌다가 고장낼 뻔했어요.

I almost broke it while touching it without knowing how to use it.

-을 뻔했다 means 'almost did something'.

공용 프린터를 고장냈으면 바로 말해야죠.

If you broke the shared printer, you should have said so immediately.

-어야죠 expresses a strong suggestion or duty.

아이들이 장난을 치다가 비싼 오디오를 고장냈습니다.

The children were playing and broke an expensive audio system.

-다가 indicates an action interrupted by another event.

기계를 고장낸 사람이 수리비를 내야 합니다.

The person who broke the machine must pay for the repairs.

고장낸 사람 (the person who broke [it]) is the subject.

일부러 고장낸 것은 아니니 너무 화내지 마세요.

I didn't break it on purpose, so please don't be so angry.

일부러 means 'on purpose'.

복사기를 고장낸 범인을 찾고 있어요.

We are looking for the culprit who broke the copier.

범인 means 'culprit' or 'guilty party'.

부주의한 조작으로 인해 정밀 기기를 고장내고 말았다.

Due to careless operation, I ended up breaking the precision instrument.

-으로 인해 means 'due to' or 'because of'.

시스템을 고장내지 않도록 매뉴얼을 숙지하십시오.

Please familiarize yourself with the manual so as not to break the system.

-지 않도록 means 'in order not to'.

그가 고의로 기계를 고장냈다는 증거는 없습니다.

There is no evidence that he broke the machine intentionally.

고의로 means 'intentionally'.

자꾸 기계를 고장내면 다음부터는 사용을 금지하겠어요.

If you keep breaking the machine, I will ban its use from next time.

자꾸 means 'repeatedly'.

소중한 선물을 고장내서 마음이 너무 무겁습니다.

My heart is heavy because I broke a precious gift.

마음이 무겁다 is an idiom for feeling guilty/sad.

그는 자신의 실수로 엔진을 고장냈음을 인정했다.

He admitted that he broke the engine through his own mistake.

-음을 인정하다 means 'to admit that...'.

노트북을 고장낸 것도 모자라 잃어버리기까지 했어요.

Not only did he break the laptop, but he even lost it.

-기도 모자라... -기까지 하다 means 'on top of... even...'

어린아이가 장난감 자동차를 고장내는 것은 흔한 일이다.

It is a common thing for a young child to break a toy car.

흔한 일이다 means 'is a common occurrence'.

사소한 부주의가 거대한 생산 라인을 고장낼 수도 있습니다.

A minor oversight can cause a massive production line to fail.

사소한 부주의 means 'minor carelessness'.

그는 고장내다시피 기계를 혹사하며 사용했다.

He used the machine so harshly that it was as if he were trying to break it.

-다시피 means 'as if' or 'practically'.

공공기물을 고장낸 행위에 대해 엄중한 책임을 물을 것입니다.

We will hold them strictly accountable for the act of breaking public property.

책임을 묻다 means 'to hold accountable'.

전문적인 지식 없이 기계를 만지는 것은 기계를 고장내는 지름길이다.

Touching a machine without professional knowledge is a shortcut to breaking it.

지름길이다 means 'is a shortcut'.

그가 계획을 고장내려는 의도가 있었는지는 확실치 않다.

It is not clear whether he had the intention to ruin (break) the plan.

Metaphorical use of 'break' for a plan.

노후된 설비를 억지로 가동하다가 결국 고장내고 말았다.

While forcing the aged equipment to run, they eventually ended up breaking it.

-고 말았다 expresses an unfortunate eventual result.

사용자의 과실로 인해 제품을 고장낸 경우 무상 수리가 불가능합니다.

In cases where the product is broken due to user negligence, free repair is impossible.

사용자의 과실 means 'user error/negligence'.

그는 분노를 참지 못하고 주변의 기물들을 고장냈다.

Unable to contain his anger, he broke the items around him.

참지 못하고 means 'unable to endure/restrain'.

시스템의 취약점을 파고들어 핵심 서버를 고장내는 행위는 범죄입니다.

The act of exploiting system vulnerabilities to cause core servers to fail is a crime.

취약점을 파고들다 means 'to exploit vulnerabilities'.

그는 마치 세상을 고장내려는 파괴자처럼 행동했다.

He acted like a destroyer who intended to break the world.

마치 ~처럼 means 'just like'.

정밀한 메커니즘을 고장내지 않고 분해하는 것은 고도의 기술을 요한다.

Disassembling a precise mechanism without breaking it requires advanced skill.

~을 요한다 means 'requires'.

단순한 기계적 결함인지, 누군가 인위적으로 고장낸 것인지 파악해야 한다.

We must determine whether it is a simple mechanical defect or if someone broke it artificially.

인위적으로 means 'artificially' or 'man-made'.

조직의 질서를 고장내는 개인의 돌출 행동은 용납될 수 없다.

Individual erratic behavior that disrupts (breaks) the order of the organization cannot be tolerated.

용납될 수 없다 means 'cannot be accepted/tolerated'.

그의 무모한 실험은 결국 연구실 전체의 장비를 고장내는 결과를 초래했다.

His reckless experiment eventually resulted in breaking all the laboratory equipment.

결과를 초래하다 means 'to bring about a result'.

기계를 고장낸 책임을 회피하려는 태도는 비겁하다.

The attitude of trying to avoid responsibility for breaking the machine is cowardly.

책임을 회피하다 means 'to evade responsibility'.

미세한 먼지 하나가 거대한 엔진을 고장낼 수 있다는 사실이 놀랍다.

It is surprising that a single speck of fine dust can cause a massive engine to fail.

미세한 먼지 means 'fine dust'.

Common Collocations

기계를 고장내다

실수로 고장내다

일부러 고장내다

컴퓨터를 고장내다

또 고장내다

완전히 고장내다

장난감을 고장내다

엔진을 고장내다

시스템을 고장내다

시계를 고장내다

Common Phrases

고장내 버리다

— To end up breaking something (often with regret).

새 폰을 사자마자 고장내 버렸어요.

고장내지 않게 조심하다

— To be careful not to break something.

고장내지 않게 조심해서 다뤄 주세요.

누가 고장냈어?

— Who broke it?

이 프린터 누가 고장냈어?

고장낸 적이 있다

— To have broken something before.

저는 기계를 고장낸 적이 많아요.

고장낼까 봐 걱정되다

— To be worried that one might break something.

비싼 거라 고장낼까 봐 걱정돼요.

고장내기 쉽다

— To be easy to break.

이 장난감은 약해서 고장내기 쉬워요.

고장낸 이유

— The reason why it was broken.

고장낸 이유를 설명해 보세요.

고장내고 도망가다

— To break something and run away.

누가 자전거를 고장내고 도망갔어요.

고장낸 물건

— The item that was broken.

고장낸 물건은 변상해야 합니다.

고장내서 미안하다

— To be sorry for breaking something.

네 노트북 고장내서 정말 미안해.

Often Confused With

고장내다 vs 고장나다

This is intransitive. 'Something broke.' 고장내다 is 'Someone broke something.'

고장내다 vs 망가뜨리다

Broader. Can be used for non-mechanical things like toys or feelings.

고장내다 vs 깨다

Specifically for glass or ceramics that shatter.

Idioms & Expressions

"분위기를 고장내다"

— To ruin the atmosphere or the mood (modern metaphorical usage).

그의 실언이 파티 분위기를 고장냈다.

Informal

"몸을 고장내다"

— To ruin one's health by overworking or bad habits.

술을 너무 많이 마셔서 몸을 고장냈다.

Neutral

"판을 고장내다"

— To ruin a situation or a deal that was going well.

막판에 그가 판을 고장내 버렸다.

Informal

"머리가 고장나다"

— To be unable to think clearly (usually used with '나다' but related).

너무 피곤해서 머리가 고장난 것 같아.

Slang

"기계를 고장내는 손"

— A person who is very clumsy with electronics (often '똥손').

저는 기계를 고장내는 손이라 조심해야 해요.

Informal

"흐름을 고장내다"

— To disrupt the flow of a conversation or event.

중간에 끼어들어 흐름을 고장내지 마세요.

Neutral

"인생을 고장내다"

— To ruin one's life through bad choices.

도박은 인생을 고장내는 지름길이다.

Literary

"계획을 고장내다"

— To cause a plan to fail.

갑작스러운 비가 여행 계획을 고장냈다.

Neutral

"심장을 고장내다"

— To make someone's heart 'malfunction' (usually from love or shock).

그녀의 미소가 내 심장을 고장냈다.

Romantic/Slang

"기계를 죽이다"

— To 'kill' a machine (slang for breaking it completely).

노트북을 아주 죽여 놨구나 (고장냈구나).

Slang

Easily Confused

고장내다 vs 부수다

Both involve breaking.

부수다 is more violent and involves physical destruction into pieces. 고장내다 is functional failure.

문을 부수다 (Smash the door) vs. 도어락을 고장내다 (Break the electronic lock).

고장내다 vs 부러뜨리다

Both involve breaking.

부러뜨리다 is for long, thin objects like sticks or bones. 고장내다 is for machines.

나뭇가지를 부러뜨리다 (Snap a branch) vs. 시계를 고장내다 (Break a watch).

고장내다 vs 찢다

Both involve ruining something.

찢다 is for paper, cloth, or skin. 고장내다 is for systems.

종이를 찢다 (Tear paper) vs. 프린터를 고장내다 (Break the printer).

고장내다 vs 망치다

Both involve ruining a state.

망치다 is for abstract things like plans, exams, or cooking. 고장내다 is physical/functional.

시험을 망치다 (Fail the exam) vs. 계산기를 고장내다 (Break the calculator).

고장내다 vs 파손하다

Both mean to damage.

파손하다 is formal and often implies physical damage to property. 고장내다 is everyday functional failure.

공공기물을 파손하다 (Damage public property) vs. 핸드폰을 고장내다 (Break a phone).

Sentence Patterns

을/를 고장냈어요.

장난감을 고장냈어요.

실수로 을/를 고장냈어요.

실수로 핸드폰을 고장냈어요.

을/를 고장내서 미안해요.

카메라를 고장내서 미안해요.

을/를 고장내 버렸어요.

라디오를 고장내 버렸어요.

을/를 고장내지 않도록 조심하세요.

기계를 고장내지 않도록 조심하세요.

누가 을/를 고장냈는지 알아요?

누가 복사기를 고장냈는지 알아요?

을/를 고장낸 책임을 지다.

공용 물건을 고장낸 책임을 져야 합니다.

을/를 고장내는 결과를 초래하다.

그의 실수는 엔진을 고장내는 결과를 초래했다.

Word Family

Nouns

고장 (故障) - breakdown, trouble, defect

고장범 - (informal) person who broke something

Verbs

고장나다 - to break down (intransitive)

고장내다 - to break something (transitive)

Adjectives

고장 난 - broken, malfunctioning

수리 (repair)

파손 (damage)

망가뜨리다 (to ruin)

부수다 (to smash)

고치다 (to fix)

How to Use It

frequency

High in daily life, especially concerning electronics and household items.

Common Mistakes

기계가 고장냈어요. → 기계가 고장났어요.
Machines don't 'cause' breakdowns to themselves in the transitive sense; they 'undergo' a breakdown.
컵을 고장냈어요. → 컵을 깼어요.
Cups are not machines. Use '깨다' for glass/ceramics.
다리를 고장냈어요. → 다리를 부러뜨렸어요.
Bones don't 'malfunction' like machines; they snap. Use '부러뜨리다'.
제가 고장나게 했어요. → 제가 고장냈어요.
While '고장나게 하다' is grammatically possible, '고장내다' is the natural, concise way to say it.
책을 고장냈어요. → 책을 찢었어요.
Books are not machines. Use '찢다' (tear) or '망가뜨리다' (ruin).

Tips

Particle Check

Always use -을/를 with 고장내다. If you use -이/가, the verb must be 고장나다.

Machine Only

Keep this word for things with gears, batteries, or circuits.

Admitting Fault

Saying '제가 고장냈어요' is a direct way to take responsibility in Korea.

Intentionality

Whether you meant to or not, if your action caused it, 고장내다 is the word.

Using -어 버리다

Add '-어 버리다' to express that you feel bad about breaking the item.

Workplace Usage

In the office, '고장 났어요' is safer than '누가 고장냈어요' unless you are sure.

Vs. 망가뜨리다

Use 망가뜨리다 for toys and 고장내다 for laptops.

Hanja Root

Remember 'Go-Jang' means trouble/obstacle.

Softening the Blow

Use '고장낸 것 같아요' (I think I broke it) to sound less blunt.

Identifying the Agent

When you hear '내다', look for the person who did the action.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Go-Jang' as 'Go Junk'. If you 'Go Junk' it, you '고장내다' it. You made it junk!

Visual Association

Imagine a person holding a hammer over a computer. The person is the 'agent' causing the '고장'.

Word Web

고장 (Malfunction) 내다 (To cause) 컴퓨터 (Computer) 수리 (Repair) 실수 (Mistake) 책임 (Responsibility) 망가뜨리다 (Ruin) AS 센터 (Service Center)

Challenge

Try to find three things in your house that you have accidentally '고장냈다' in the past and say it out loud in Korean: '[Object]을 고장냈어요.'

Word Origin

The word is a combination of the Sino-Korean noun '고장' (故障) and the native Korean causative verb '내다'. '고장' consists of '고' (故 - reason/old/trouble) and '장' (障 - obstacle/hinder).

Original meaning: To produce or cause an obstacle or trouble in a mechanical context.

Sino-Korean (Noun) + Native Korean (Verb)

Cultural Context

Be careful when using '고장내다' with others' belongings; it is a direct assignment of fault. Use '고장난 것 같아요' (It seems to be broken) to be more polite.

English speakers often just say 'I broke it' regardless of the object. In Korean, you must distinguish between breaking a glass (깨다) and breaking a car (고장내다).

The term '마이더스의 손' (Midas Touch) is often used ironically for someone who '고장내다' everything they touch. In the drama 'Start-Up', characters often deal with code that '고장내다' the whole system. Variety shows like 'Running Man' often feature games where members accidentally '고장내다' props.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At Home

리모컨 고장냈어?
장난감 고장내지 마.
엄마가 세탁기 고장냈대.
동생이 내 컴 고장냈어.

At Work

복사기를 고장냈습니다.
누가 프린터 고장냈나요?
기계를 고장내면 곤란해요.
실수로 시스템을 고장냈어요.

At the Repair Shop

어떻게 고장내셨어요?
제가 고장낸 게 아니에요.
사용자가 고장낸 것 같네요.
고장낸 부분을 찾아주세요.

With Friends

너 또 고장냈냐?
내 폰 고장내지 마라.
실수로 네 시계 고장냈어.
고장내면 네가 사야 돼.

In a Store

물건 고장내시면 안 됩니다.
아이가 진열품을 고장냈어요.
고장낸 물건은 사셔야 해요.
이거 고장내기 쉬운가요?

Conversation Starters

"혹시 기계를 잘 고장내는 편이세요?"

"최근에 실수로 고장낸 물건이 있나요?"

"누군가 당신의 물건을 고장냈을 때 어떻게 반응하세요?"

"어렸을 때 가장 비싼 물건을 고장낸 기억이 있나요?"

"기계를 고장냈을 때 직접 고치려고 노력하시나요?"

Journal Prompts

오늘 내가 실수로 고장낸 것이나 거의 고장낼 뻔했던 일에 대해 써 보세요.

누군가 내 소중한 물건을 고장냈던 경험과 그때의 기분을 서술해 보세요.

기계를 잘 고장내는 사람(똥손)과 잘 고치는 사람(금손) 중 본인은 어느 쪽인가요?

고장낸 물건을 수리점에 맡겼던 에피소드를 자세히 적어 보세요.

물건을 고장내지 않고 오래 쓰는 자신만의 방법에 대해 써 보세요.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, for bones or long objects, you should use '부러뜨리다'. '고장내다' is only for machines or systems.

고장내다 is transitive (I broke it), while 고장나다 is intransitive (It broke).

It is neutral, but since it assigns blame, use it carefully with others. It's better to use '고장난 것 같아요' to be soft.

Yes, if your actions caused the system to stop working, you can say you '고장냈다' the system.

You can say '실수로 고장냈어요' or '고장내 버렸어요'.

No, for glass use '깨다' or '깨뜨리다'.

The noun is simply '고장'. There isn't a specific noun that means 'the act of breaking something' other than '고장냄' or formal '파손'.

It's rare. Usually '망치다' or '깨다' (for a couple) is used for relationships.

Yes, but they might use more formal terms like '파손' or '손괴' in official reports.

The opposite is '고치다' (to fix) or '수리하다' (to repair).