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B1 noun #3,000 most common 12 min read

故障

guzhang Top 3,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 故障 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 故障 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use '故障' (gùzhàng) very often, but you might hear it. It is a big word for a 'problem' with a machine. Think of it like saying 'It is broken' but in a more 'official' way. If your computer or phone stops working, your teacher or a repairman might use this word. A1 students should focus on the fact that '故障' is used for things with batteries or engines, like cars, phones, and elevators. You can simply remember it as 'machine problem.' At this level, you can stick to saying '坏了' (huài le) for most things, but recognizing '故障' will help you understand announcements in the subway or at the airport. It's a noun, so you usually say something 'has' (出 - chū) a '故障'.

At the A2 level, you should begin to distinguish between different types of 'problems.' While '问题' (wèntí) is a general word for any question or problem, '故障' (gùzhàng) is specifically for technical failures. If you are describing why you were late, you might say '我的车出了故障' (My car had a malfunction). This sounds more mature than just saying 'My car is bad.' You will see this word on signs in public places, like '电梯故障' (Elevator Malfunction). It's important to know that you don't use this for people. If you are sick, don't use '故障'! Only use it for objects that have moving parts or electronic circuits. You can also start learning simple phrases like '电脑故障' (computer malfunction) or '网络故障' (network failure).

At the B1 level, '故障' (gùzhàng) becomes a key part of your vocabulary for describing daily life and work situations. You should be able to use it in full sentences to explain technical issues. You should know common verb pairings like '发生故障' (a malfunction occurred) and '排除故障' (to fix/troubleshoot a malfunction). At this level, you are expected to understand that '故障' is more formal than '毛病' (glitch). For example, in a work email, you would definitely use '故障' to describe a server issue. You should also be able to recognize it in news reports or public announcements. You are moving beyond just saying 'it's broken' to explaining *that* a technical failure has occurred. It's also a good time to learn how to add adjectives like '严重' (serious) or '技术' (technical) before '故障'.

At the B2 level, you should use '故障' (gùzhàng) with precision in professional and technical contexts. You should understand the difference between '故障' (the failure), '事故' (the accident), and '瑕疵' (a minor flaw/defect). You should be comfortable discussing '故障率' (failure rate) or '故障诊断' (fault diagnosis). In a business or engineering setting, you would use this word to discuss quality control and maintenance. You should also be able to use the word metaphorically in specific contexts, though sparingly. Your ability to use '故障' in a sentence should include complex structures, such as '由于不可预见的技术故障，生产线被迫停工' (Due to an unforeseen technical malfunction, the production line was forced to stop). You should also know related terms like '零故障' (zero defects/failures).

At the C1 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of '故障' (gùzhàng) and its place in formal, academic, and technical discourse. You should be able to discuss the systemic implications of malfunctions in complex environments, such as financial systems or aerospace engineering. You should be familiar with specialized terms like '系统性故障' (systemic failure) or '间歇性故障' (intermittent fault). At this level, you should be able to read technical manuals or academic papers that analyze the '故障机理' (failure mechanism) of various materials or systems. You should also be able to use '故障' in sophisticated rhetorical ways, perhaps discussing the '故障' of a social system or a logical argument in a highly formal debate, although '弊病' or '漏洞' might be more common for those abstract concepts.

At the C2 level, '故障' (gùzhàng) is a tool for precise communication in the most demanding environments. You should be able to use it to describe highly specific technical phenomena with perfect accuracy. You understand the historical evolution of the term and its subtle connotations in different industries (e.g., the difference between a '故障' in telecommunications vs. civil engineering). You can effortlessly switch between '故障', '瘫痪' (paralysis/total system collapse), and '溃决' (breach/failure of a dam or system) depending on the severity and nature of the situation. Your use of the word is indistinguishable from a native professional, and you can engage in deep technical discussions about '故障树分析' (Fault Tree Analysis) or '容错技术' (Fault-tolerant technology) without hesitation. You also appreciate the philosophical implications of 'failure' as represented by this term in modern technological society.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

故障 in 30 Seconds

A formal noun meaning malfunction or technical failure in machines or systems.
Commonly used in public announcements, IT support, and mechanical engineering contexts.
Usually paired with verbs like '出' (occur), '发生' (happen), or '排除' (troubleshoot).
Distinguished from '事故' (accident) and '错误' (human error/mistake).

The Chinese term 故障 (gùzhàng) is a formal and technical noun used to describe a malfunction, a breakdown, or a technical failure. At its core, the word is composed of two characters: 故 (gù), which in this context refers to an incident or an unforeseen event, and 障 (zhàng), which means a barrier or an obstruction. Together, they represent a situation where an internal issue creates a barrier to the normal operation of a machine or system. This is the standard term you will encounter in professional settings, technical manuals, and public announcements when something mechanical or electronic stops working as intended.

Technical Scope: It applies to everything from a small household appliance like a toaster to massive infrastructure systems like the power grid or the high-speed rail network. If a computer freezes, a car engine stalls, or a website crashes due to server issues, the word used is almost always '故障'.

In everyday life, you will most frequently hear this word in public transit. If you are standing on a subway platform in Beijing or Shanghai and the train is delayed, the overhead speakers will likely announce that the delay is due to 设备故障 (shèbèi gùzhàng)—equipment failure. It is also the standard term used in customer service. If you call a technician because your internet is down, you are reporting a 网络故障 (wǎngluò gùzhàng).

我们的电梯因为技术故障暂时停止使用，请大家走楼梯。(Our elevator is temporarily out of service due to a technical malfunction; please use the stairs.)

Formal Tone: Unlike the colloquial word '坏了' (huài le), which simply means 'broken,' '故障' sounds professional. Using '故障' implies that there is a specific mechanical or logical reason behind the failure that requires investigation or repair.

Furthermore, '故障' is often paired with specific verbs that describe the lifecycle of a problem. You 'find' a malfunction (发现故障), you 'diagnose' it (检查故障), and most importantly, you 'eliminate' or 'troubleshoot' it (排除故障). The latter is a very common phrase in technical support and engineering. If a technician says they are 'excluding' the fault, they mean they are in the process of fixing it.

技术人员正在全力排除系统故障。(The technicians are doing their best to troubleshoot the system malfunction.)

Nuance Comparison: It is important to distinguish '故障' from '事故' (shìgù). A '故障' is the mechanical failure itself (e.g., the brakes failed). An '事故' is the accident that results from that failure (e.g., the car crashed). You fix a '故障', but you handle or investigate an '事故'.

In summary, '故障' is your go-to word for any technical hiccup. Whether you are dealing with a car that won't start, a smartphone that keeps rebooting, or a factory line that has ground to a halt, this word provides the necessary level of precision and formality to describe the situation effectively in a Chinese-speaking environment. It reflects a mindset of identifying a specific hurdle that needs to be cleared for progress to continue.

Using 故障 (gùzhàng) correctly involves understanding its role as a noun and the specific verbs it typically accompanies. In Chinese grammar, '故障' functions as the object of verbs describing the occurrence or resolution of a problem. The most common structure to describe something breaking down is '[Subject] + 出了 (chū le) + 故障' or '[Subject] + 发生 (fāshēng) + 故障'. This literally translates to '[Subject] produced/occurred a malfunction.'

我的汽车在高速公路上突发故障，我只能停在路边。(My car suddenly malfunctioned on the highway, and I had to pull over to the side.)

Verb-Noun Collocations: 1. 排除故障 (páichú gùzhàng): To troubleshoot or fix a fault. 2. 检修故障 (jiǎnxiū gùzhàng): To inspect and repair a malfunction. 3. 预防故障 (yùfáng gùzhàng): To prevent malfunctions through maintenance.

When you want to specify the *type* of malfunction, you place the descriptor directly before '故障'. For instance, '机械故障' (jīxiè gùzhàng) refers to a mechanical failure, while '软件故障' (ruǎnjiàn gùzhàng) refers to a software glitch. This attributive use allows for high precision in technical reports. If you are writing an email to an IT department, you might start with: '我遇到了一个网络连接故障' (I encountered a network connection malfunction).

由于电力系统故障，整个街区都停电了。(Due to a power system failure, the entire block has a blackout.)

Another important pattern is the use of '因...故障' (yīn... gùzhàng), meaning 'because of a ... malfunction.' This is the standard way to explain the cause of a service interruption. For example, '因设备故障，本站暂时关闭' (Due to equipment malfunction, this station is temporarily closed). This structure is ubiquitous in formal notices and news headlines.

Common Adjectives: Frequent adjectives paired with '故障' include '严重' (yánzhòng - serious), '轻微' (qīngwēi - slight), '突发' (tūfā - sudden), and '频繁' (pínfán - frequent). '频繁故障' is a nightmare for any factory manager!

Finally, consider the result of the '故障'. Often, a malfunction leads to a '停工' (tínggōng - work stoppage) or '延误' (yánwù - delay). By linking these concepts, you can construct complex and useful sentences. '这台机器的频繁故障导致了生产延误' (The frequent malfunctions of this machine led to production delays). Mastering these patterns will allow you to navigate technical difficulties in Chinese with confidence and clarity.

In the real world, 故障 (gùzhàng) is the language of infrastructure, technology, and professional responsibility. If you live or travel in a Chinese-speaking city, the place you are most likely to encounter this word is in the transportation network. Subway stations, airports, and train stations use '故障' as a catch-all term to explain delays to the public. It is a polite, objective way to say 'something is wrong' without necessarily admitting fault or causing panic. When a train stops in a tunnel, the conductor's announcement will invariably contain the word '故障'.

各位乘客请注意，由于前方信号故障，本列车将稍作停留。(Attention passengers, due to a signal failure ahead, this train will stop briefly.)

The Workplace Environment: In an office setting, '故障' is the standard term used when talking to the IT department (信息技术部). If the printer jammed or the internal server is down, employees will report it as a '故障'. It is also used in official reports and emails to explain why a deadline might have been missed or why a service was unavailable.

Another common venue for this word is the automotive industry. When you take your car to a 4S shop (a common term for car dealerships in China), the mechanic will use a diagnostic tool to read '故障码' (gùzhàng mǎ) or 'fault codes.' They will then explain the '故障原因' (the cause of the malfunction) to you. In this context, '故障' is a precise term that distinguishes a mechanical problem from simple wear and tear or cosmetic damage.

师傅，我的车发动机好像有故障，你能帮我查一下吗？(Master, my car engine seems to have a malfunction; can you check it for me?)

You will also see '故障' on digital screens. If a website fails to load or an app crashes, the error message might read '系统故障' (System Malfunction) or '发生未知故障' (An unknown malfunction occurred). This is the equivalent of 'Error' or 'System Failure' in English software interfaces. In the news, major events like city-wide blackouts, satellite launch failures, or industrial accidents are reported using this term to describe the technical trigger of the event.

Public Safety and Signage: Yellow warning signs on elevators or escalators often read '故障维修，严禁使用' (Malfunction maintenance, strictly forbidden to use). Seeing this word is a clear signal to stay away for safety reasons.

In summary, '故障' is an essential word for navigating the physical and digital infrastructure of modern China. It is the language of the 'working world,' used by professionals and citizens alike to identify and address the inevitable glitches of a high-tech society. Whether you are reading a technical manual, listening to a subway announcement, or complaining about a broken laptop, '故障' is the word that conveys your meaning with professional accuracy.

While 故障 (gùzhàng) is a versatile word, learners often make several key mistakes in its usage, primarily by confusing it with other words for 'problem' or 'mistake.' The most common error is using '故障' to describe human errors or mistakes. If a person makes a mistake on a math test or a typo in an email, you cannot use '故障'. In those cases, the correct words are 错误 (cuòwù) or 马虎 (mǎhu). '故障' is strictly for machines, systems, and technical processes.

Wrong: 我在考试中出了故障。
Right: 我在考试中出了错误。(I made a mistake in the exam.)

Biological vs. Mechanical: Another frequent mistake is applying '故障' to biological health. If you are sick or your stomach hurts, you don't have a '故障'. You should say '我不舒服' (I don't feel well) or '我有病' (I am sick). However, humorously, people sometimes say '我的大脑故障了' (My brain is malfunctioning) when they are very tired or confused, but this is clearly metaphorical slang.

Confusing '故障' with '坏了' (huài le) is also common. While they can often be used in the same context, '坏了' is an adjective/verb phrase that describes the *state* of being broken, while '故障' is a noun describing the *occurrence* of a failure. You can say '我的手机坏了' (My phone is broken), but you would say '我的手机出了故障' (My phone has a malfunction). Using '故障了' as a verb is technically possible but sounds less natural than '出了故障'.

Incorrect: 电脑故障了三次。(The computer malfunctioned three times - sounds okay but awkward.)
Correct: 电脑发生了三次故障。(Malfunctions occurred three times.)

Lastly, learners sometimes confuse '故障' with 事故 (shìgù). As mentioned before, '故障' is the internal failure, and '事故' is the external accident. If a plane has an engine failure but lands safely, it had a '故障' but not an '事故'. If it crashes, it is an '事故'. Misusing these can make a situation sound much more or less serious than it actually is. For example, telling your boss there was a '事故' with the printer might make them think there was a fire or an injury, when you really just meant a paper jam ('故障').

Register Errors: Using '故障' for very trivial things like a broken pencil or a torn piece of paper is a register error. '故障' implies a certain level of complexity. A pencil doesn't malfunction; it just breaks (断了).

By avoiding these common pitfalls—limiting the word to technical systems, using it as a noun, and distinguishing it from human error or physical accidents—you will use '故障' with the precision of a native speaker. Pay attention to the '出' or '发生' verbs that precede it, and you will be well on your way to mastering this essential technical term.

To truly master 故障 (gùzhàng), you must understand how it fits into the broader family of Chinese words for 'problems' and 'failures.' There are several synonyms and related terms, each with its own specific nuance and register. Choosing the right one depends on whether you are talking to a friend, a technician, or writing a formal report.

故障 vs. 毛病 (máobìng): '毛病' is the more colloquial cousin of '故障'. While '故障' sounds technical and professional, '毛病' sounds like 'a glitch' or 'a quirk.' You use '毛病' for small, annoying problems. For example, '这台电视总出小毛病' (This TV always has small glitches). Interestingly, '毛病' can also refer to personal bad habits, whereas '故障' never can.

Another important comparison is with 损坏 (sǔnhuài). '损坏' means 'damage' or 'to damage.' It refers to physical harm done to an object, often from an external force. If you drop your phone and the screen cracks, that is '损坏'. If the phone won't turn on because of an internal circuit issue, that is a '故障'. A '故障' is internal and functional; '损坏' is often external and structural.

这台机器不是因为故障停下的，而是被人为损坏了。(This machine didn't stop because of a malfunction, but because it was intentionally damaged.)

故障 vs. 错误 (cuòwù): '错误' means 'error' or 'mistake.' In computing, '故障' is a failure of the system to perform, while '错误' is often a logic error or an invalid input. If you type the wrong password, you get an '错误提示' (error prompt). If the server crashes, it is a '服务器故障' (server malfunction).

For software-specific issues, the term 漏洞 (lòudòng) is used for 'bugs' or 'vulnerabilities.' While a '故障' is the result (the system stopped), the '漏洞' is the underlying flaw in the code. Developers 'patch vulnerabilities' (修复漏洞) to prevent 'malfunctions' (故障).

故障 vs. 事故 (shìgù): As previously noted, '事故' is an accident. In safety management, a '故障' is a 'near-miss' or a technical failure that *could* lead to an '事故'. A '重大事故' (major accident) usually starts with a '技术故障' (technical failure).

In summary, choose '故障' for professional, technical failures. Choose '毛病' for casual glitches or personal habits. Choose '损坏' for physical damage. Choose '错误' for logical mistakes. And choose '事故' for accidents. Understanding these distinctions allows you to describe any problematic situation with the exact nuance required, making your Chinese sound sophisticated and precise.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character '障' contains the 'ear' radical (阝) on the left, which originally represented a wall or a hill, reinforcing the idea of a physical barrier.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɡuː ʈʂɑŋ/

US /ɡuː ʈʂɑŋ/

In Chinese, both syllables in '故障' carry equal weight as they are both 4th tones.

Rhymes With

保障 (bǎozhàng) 屏障 (píngzhàng) 路障 (lùzhàng) 魔障 (mózhàng) 业障 (yèzhàng) 状况 (zhuàngkuàng) 巨奖 (jùjiǎng) 恰当 (qiàdàng)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'zhàng' as 'zàng' (failing to curl the tongue).
Mixing up the tones, especially making 'gù' a 3rd tone (gǔ).
Confusing 'zhàng' with 'zhāng' (omitting the 't' sound at the start of the final).
Pronouncing 'gù' like 'gǔ' (falling-rising tone) which would change the meaning.
Failing to make the 'ng' sound distinct at the end of 'zhàng'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The characters are moderately complex but very common in daily signage.

Writing 4/5

Writing '障' requires attention to stroke order and the radical.

Speaking 2/5

Easy to pronounce if you master the 4th tone.

Listening 2/5

Distinctive sound, often heard in public announcements.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

出问题坏机器发生

Learn Next

维修排除检修零件事故

Advanced

瘫痪冗余机理瑕疵崩溃

Grammar to Know

Using '由于' (Due to) for formal causality.

由于技术故障，活动取消了。

The 'Verb + 补语' (Resultative complement) with fixing.

故障被修复好了。

Using '出了' to indicate an emergent problem.

机器出了点故障。

Attribute placement for specific fault types.

网络(Attribute) + 故障(Noun).

Passive voice with '被' in repair contexts.

故障已经被排除了。

Examples by Level

电脑出了故障。

The computer has a malfunction.

Subject + 出了 + 故障 is the most basic way to use this word.

我的手机有故障。

My phone has a malfunction.

Using '有' (to have) is also common for A1 learners.

电梯故障，请走楼梯。

Elevator malfunction, please use the stairs.

A common sign found in buildings.

汽车出了故障。

The car has a malfunction.

'汽车' (car) is a frequent subject for this word.

电视机发生了故障。

The TV set had a malfunction.

'发生' (to occur) is a slightly more formal verb than '出'.

哪里有故障？

Where is the malfunction?

A simple question using the word as a noun.

这个机器没有故障。

This machine has no malfunction.

Negative form: 没有 + 故障.

网络故障了。

The network is malfunctioning.

Though a noun, '故障了' is sometimes used colloquially as a verb phrase.

因为电脑故障，我没写完作业。

Because of a computer malfunction, I didn't finish my homework.

Using '因为' to give a reason for an incomplete task.

由于技术故障，火车晚点了。

Due to a technical malfunction, the train is late.

'由于' (due to) is common in formal announcements.

师傅，请帮我检查一下故障。

Master, please help me check the malfunction.

'检查' (to check/inspect) is a common verb paired with '故障'.

这台旧机器经常出故障。

This old machine often malfunctions.

Adding frequency adverbs like '经常' (often).

如果你发现故障，请告诉我。

If you find a malfunction, please tell me.

'发现' (to find/discover) is used for spotting issues.

空调出了点小故障。

The air conditioner has a small malfunction.

Using '点小' to indicate the problem is minor.

我们需要排除这个故障。

We need to troubleshoot this malfunction.

'排除' is the professional word for fixing/eliminating a fault.

系统故障导致服务中断。

A system malfunction caused a service interruption.

Using '导致' (to lead to/cause) to show the result of a malfunction.

因设备故障，本站列车暂停运行。

Due to equipment failure, trains at this station have suspended operations.

Standard formal announcement syntax.

技术人员正在全力排除网络故障。

Technicians are doing their best to troubleshoot the network malfunction.

'全力' (with all one's strength) adds professional urgency.

这台发动机的故障原因还不清楚。

The cause of the malfunction in this engine is not yet clear.

'故障原因' (cause of failure) is a common compound noun.

为了预防故障，我们需要定期保养机器。

To prevent malfunctions, we need to maintain the machines regularly.

'预防' (to prevent) is used in a maintenance context.

该软件在运行大文件时容易发生故障。

The software is prone to malfunctioning when running large files.

'容易发生' (prone to occurring) describes tendencies.

这次停电是由电力线路故障引起的。

This blackout was caused by a power line failure.

Passive structure: '是由...引起的' (was caused by...).

我们必须在两小时内修复所有故障。

We must repair all malfunctions within two hours.

'修复' (to repair/restore) is another formal verb for fixing.

虽然出了故障，但没有造成人员伤亡。

Although a malfunction occurred, it did not cause any casualties.

Distinguishing between a '故障' and a harmful '事故'.

由于严重的机械故障，飞机不得不紧急迫降。

Due to a severe mechanical failure, the plane had to make an emergency landing.

'不得不' (have no choice but to) emphasizes the necessity.

该系统的故障诊断功能非常强大。

The fault diagnosis function of this system is very powerful.

'故障诊断' is a technical term for diagnostics.

工厂因频繁的设备故障而损失惨重。

The factory suffered heavy losses due to frequent equipment malfunctions.

Using '损失惨重' (to suffer heavy losses) as a consequence.

我们正在对故障排查过程进行优化。

We are optimizing the troubleshooting process.

'排查' (to investigate and exclude) is more thorough than just '排除'.

报告显示，这次故障是由于零件老化造成的。

The report shows that this failure was caused by aging parts.

'显示' (to show/indicate) is common in formal reports.

如果再次出现类似故障，请立即联系售后。

If a similar malfunction occurs again, please contact after-sales service immediately.

'类似' (similar) helps categorize the type of issue.

这套备用系统可以在主系统故障时自动启动。

This backup system can start automatically when the main system fails.

Discussing redundancy and '备用系统' (backup systems).

由于信号故障，自动驾驶系统暂时失效。

Due to a signal malfunction, the autonomous driving system is temporarily disabled.

'失效' (to lose effectiveness/fail) is often the result of a '故障'.

专家指出，该桥梁的垮塌并非单纯的结构故障。

Experts pointed out that the collapse of the bridge was not merely a structural failure.

'并非单纯' (is not simply) introduces a complex analysis.

我们需要通过故障树分析来确定根本原因。

We need to use Fault Tree Analysis to determine the root cause.

'故障树分析' is a specific engineering methodology.

金融交易平台的瞬间故障引发了市场的剧烈波动。

A split-second malfunction of the financial trading platform triggered violent market fluctuations.

'瞬间故障' (instantaneous/momentary failure) in a high-stakes context.

这种间歇性故障最难排查，因为其发生规律极不明显。

This kind of intermittent fault is the hardest to troubleshoot because its occurrence pattern is very obscure.

'间歇性' (intermittent) describes a specific type of elusive problem.

为了提高可靠性，该卫星采用了多重冗余故障保护机制。

To improve reliability, the satellite employs multiple redundant fault protection mechanisms.

Highly technical vocabulary like '冗余' (redundancy) and '机制' (mechanism).

由于逻辑电路的设计缺陷，该批次产品存在潜在故障风险。

Due to design flaws in the logic circuits, this batch of products has a potential risk of malfunction.

'设计缺陷' (design flaw) vs. '故障' (the actual failure).

在极端环境下，材料的疲劳可能导致灾难性的技术故障。

In extreme environments, material fatigue can lead to catastrophic technical failures.

'灾难性的' (catastrophic) modifies the severity of the '故障'.

该报告详尽地分析了反应堆冷却系统的故障模式。

The report detailedly analyzed the failure modes of the reactor cooling system.

'故障模式' (failure mode) is a standard term in reliability engineering.

该论文深入探讨了量子计算中量子比特的退相干故障。

The paper explores in depth the decoherence faults of qubits in quantum computing.

Extremely specialized scientific application.

在高度集成的社会系统中，单一节点的故障可能引发多米诺骨牌效应。

In highly integrated social systems, a failure at a single node can trigger a domino effect.

Metaphorical but formal systemic analysis.

我们必须构建一个具有高度容错能力的架构，以应对不可预知的故障。

We must build an architecture with high fault tolerance to cope with unpredictable malfunctions.

'容错能力' (fault tolerance) is a key concept in C2 technical discussion.

故障机理的研究对于提升航空发动机的寿命至关重要。

Research on failure mechanisms is vital for extending the lifespan of aero-engines.

'故障机理' (failure mechanism) refers to the underlying physics of a fault.

该系统的复杂性使得任何微小的逻辑故障都可能演变为系统性崩溃。

The complexity of the system means that any tiny logic fault could evolve into a systemic collapse.

Discussing the evolution of a '故障' into a '崩溃' (collapse).

通过大数据预测，我们可以实现对设备故障的精准预判与干预。

Through big data prediction, we can achieve precise pre-judgment and intervention for equipment failures.

Modern industrial context involving '大数据' and '预判'.

该事故的调查报告揭示了人为因素与技术故障之间的复杂交织。

The accident investigation report revealed a complex intertwining of human factors and technical malfunctions.

Analyzing the intersection of '人为因素' and '技术故障'.

在零故障管理的理念下，每一个细微的异常都值得被深度剖析。

Under the philosophy of zero-defect management, every slight anomaly deserves a deep analysis.

'零故障管理' (Zero-defect/Zero-failure management) is a management philosophy.

Synonyms

毛病损坏瑕疵报错

Antonyms

完好顺畅

Common Collocations

发生故障

排除故障

技术故障

机械故障

系统故障

故障原因

排除故障

突发故障

检修故障

故障率

Common Phrases

故障排除

— The act of troubleshooting. This is the standard term for fixing a technical issue.

你可以参考故障排除指南。

出了故障

— To have broken down. The most common way to say something has a problem.

我的电脑出了故障。

网络故障

— Network failure. Used when the internet or a local network is down.

因网络故障，会议推迟。

电力故障

— Power failure. Used for blackouts or electrical issues.

电力故障导致整栋楼停电。

设备故障

— Equipment failure. A general term for any machine breaking down.

由于设备故障，生产停止。

软件故障

— Software malfunction. Used for app crashes or code errors.

这只是一个暂时的软件故障。

信号故障

— Signal failure. Common in telecommunications and subway announcements.

由于信号故障，火车停了。

引擎故障

— Engine failure. Specific to cars, planes, and boats.

引擎故障是一个严重的问题。

硬件故障

— Hardware failure. Physical components of a computer breaking.

看来是硬件故障，得换零件。

故障诊断

— Fault diagnosis. The process of finding out what is wrong.

系统正在进行自动故障诊断。

Often Confused With

故障 vs 事故

故障 is the failure; 事故 is the resulting accident.

故障 vs 错误

故障 is technical/systemic; 错误 is human or logical.

故障 vs 毛病

故障 is formal/technical; 毛病 is casual/minor.

Idioms & Expressions

"故伎重演"

— To play the same old trick. Uses the same '故' (old/previous) but unrelated to technical failure.

他又是故伎重演，想骗我们的钱。

Literary

"层峦叠嶂"

— Range upon range of mountains. Uses '障' in its original sense of a barrier/peak.

窗外是层峦叠嶂的美景。

Literary

"排除万难"

— To overcome all difficulties. Shares the verb '排除' often used with '故障'.

我们要排除万难，完成任务。

Formal

"一如既往"

— Just as in the past. Shares '既' (already/past) often related to '故'.

他一如既往地努力工作。

Common

"陈词滥调"

— Clichés. Shares the sense of 'old' things being problematic.

这篇文章满是陈词滥调。

Neutral

"无碍大局"

— Not hindering the overall situation. The opposite of a '故障' that stops everything.

这点小毛病无碍大局。

Formal

"未雨绸缪"

— To prepare for a rainy day. Like '预防故障'.

我们需要未雨绸缪，检查设备。

Formal

"安然无恙"

— Safe and sound. Describes a state with no '故障' or '事故'.

虽然车坏了，但人安然无恙。

Common

"推陈出新"

— Weed out the old to bring forth the new. Replacing '故障' prone old tech.

我们要不断推陈出新，改进技术。

Formal

"防患未然"

— To prevent trouble before it happens. Maintenance to avoid '故障'.

防患未然比事后维修更重要。

Formal

Easily Confused

故障 vs 瑕疵

Both mean something is wrong with an object.

瑕疵 is a cosmetic or minor flaw (a scratch); 故障 is a functional failure (it doesn't work).

这块表有瑕疵，但没有故障。

故障 vs 损坏

Both describe things not working.

损坏 implies physical damage (broken screen); 故障 implies internal/functional failure (software crash).

因为屏幕损坏，手机发生了故障。

故障 vs 失灵

Both involve things stopping working.

失灵 is a subset of 故障, specifically meaning a loss of control or response (brakes, buttons).

刹车失灵是一种致命的故障。

故障 vs 障碍

Shares the character '障'.

障碍 is an obstacle or barrier (mental or physical); 故障 is a technical malfunction.

语言障碍不是技术故障。

故障 vs 缺陷

Both relate to problems in design or function.

缺陷 is a fundamental shortcoming or lack; 故障 is an active failure event.

设计缺陷导致了频繁的故障。

Sentence Patterns

[Object] + 出了故障。

电脑出了故障。

因为 [Reason] 故障，所以 [Result]。

因为网络故障，所以我不能上网。

技术人员正在 [Verb] 故障。

技术人员正在排除故障。

由于 [Adjective] 故障，[Subject] 迫使 [Action]。

由于严重的机械故障，飞机迫使降落。

[Subject] 致力于研究 [Specific] 故障机理。

科学家致力于研究材料的疲劳故障机理。

在 [Complex System] 中，[Minor] 故障可能诱发 [Catastrophic Result]。

在高度复杂的电力网络中，微小的逻辑故障可能诱发全网瘫痪。

该故障是由于 [Cause] 引起的。

该故障是由于零件老化引起的。

[System] 具有自动 [Action] 故障的功能。

该系统具有自动诊断故障的功能。

Word Family

Nouns

故障码 (Fault code)

故障率 (Failure rate)

故障树 (Fault tree)

Verbs

发生故障 (To malfunction)

排除故障 (To troubleshoot)

检修故障 (To overhaul/repair)

Adjectives

故障的 (Malfunctioning - though usually '有故障的' is used)

事故 (Accident)

障碍 (Obstacle)

故人 (Old friend)

保障 (Guarantee)

故障排查 (Troubleshooting process)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely common in technical, industrial, and public service domains.

Common Mistakes

我的身体有故障。 → 我身体不舒服。
You cannot use '故障' for human health; it is only for machines. It makes you sound like a robot.
他在作业里出了故障。 → 他在作业里犯了错误。
Human errors in tasks are '错误', not '故障'. '故障' implies a mechanical or systemic failure.
电梯事故了。 → 电梯出故障了。
An '事故' is an accident (like a crash). If the elevator just stops working, it's a '故障'.
铅笔故障了。 → 铅笔断了。
'故障' is for complex machines. A pencil is too simple; it just 'breaks' (断 or 坏).
我要修理这个错误。 → 我要排除这个故障。
You 'correct' (纠正) a mistake (错误), but you 'troubleshoot/fix' (排除/修复) a malfunction (故障).

Tips

Use with '发生'

To sound more formal and professional, use '发生故障' (a malfunction occurred) instead of the simpler '出故障'.

Pair with '排除'

Whenever you talk about fixing a technical problem, use '排除故障'. It's the standard industry term for troubleshooting.

Subway Announcements

When you hear '设备故障' (shèbèi gùzhàng) on a train, it means there is an equipment failure. It's a key word for survival in Chinese cities!

Not for Accidents

Remember that '故障' is the mechanical part. If someone gets hurt or a car crashes, that's an '事故' (shìgù).

Office Talk

In an office setting, always report problems to IT using '故障' to appear professional and clear.

Compounding

You can put almost any technical word before '故障' to specify the problem: 电力故障, 网络故障, 机械故障.

Brain Glitch

You can jokingly say '大脑故障' when you forget something, but only with friends!

Prevention

The phrase '预防故障' (preventing malfunctions) is key for discussing maintenance schedules.

Safety Signs

If you see a sign saying '故障', do not use the machine (like an elevator or escalator). It's a warning.

Tone Mastery

Both characters are 4th tone. Practice them as two short, sharp downward sounds: GÙ-ZHÀNG.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Gù' as 'Go' and 'Zhàng' as 'Stop' (like a barrier). When something is supposed to 'Go' but hits a 'Barrier', you have a 'Gùzhàng'!

Visual Association

Imagine a car hitting a yellow barrier (障) because of an old (故) engine part failing.

Word Web

机器 (Machine) 修理 (Repair) 停止 (Stop) 技术 (Technical) 排除 (Exclude/Fix) 原因 (Reason) 电梯 (Elevator) 电脑 (Computer)

Challenge

Try to find three things in your house that could have a '故障' and name them in Chinese (e.g., 冰箱故障, 洗衣机故障).

Word Origin

The word '故障' first appeared in modern technical contexts, though both characters have ancient roots. '故' (gù) originally meant 'cause' or 'reason' and evolved to mean 'incident' or 'old.' '障' (zhàng) originally meant a 'screen' or 'barrier' used in defense.

Original meaning: An obstruction caused by an incident.

Sino-Tibetan (Sinitic)

Cultural Context

Never use '故障' for people's health or disabilities; it is dehumanizing and incorrect.

In English, we might say 'it's broken' or 'glitchy.' '故障' is closer to the professional 'out of order' or 'technical failure.'

Technical manuals for the 'Fuxing' high-speed trains. News reports on the 'Tiangong' space station maintenance. The movie 'The Wandering Earth' where technical failures are a major plot point.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Public Transportation

信号故障
车辆故障
因故障延误
设备故障

IT / Office

网络故障
系统故障
打印机故障
故障排查

Car Repair

引擎故障
变速箱故障
读取故障码
检查故障

Manufacturing

生产线故障
机械故障
预防故障
故障停机

Home Appliances

空调故障
冰箱故障
小故障
保修期内故障

Conversation Starters

"你的电脑经常出故障吗？"

"如果电梯在运行中发生故障，你该怎么办？"

"你觉得最难排除的故障是什么？"

"你曾经因为交通故障而迟到过吗？"

"这家工厂是如何预防机器故障的？"

Journal Prompts

描述一次你遇到的严重技术故障，以及你是如何解决它的。

你认为现代社会是否过度依赖技术，以至于一次小故障就能导致混乱？

写一封给维修公司的信，描述你家里某样电器的故障情况。

如果你的大脑可以像机器一样‘排除故障’，你想修复哪方面的‘故障’？

分析为什么有些产品的故障率比其他产品高。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, '故障' is only for machines and systems. For a person, use '生病' (sick) or '不舒服' (unwell). Using '故障' for a person sounds like you are calling them a robot.

'故障' is formal and technical, used for serious failures. '毛病' is casual and used for minor glitches or personal bad habits. For example, a car engine failure is a '故障', but a radio that crackles is a '毛病'.

The most common and professional way is '排除故障' (páichú gùzhàng). '排除' means to eliminate or exclude, so you are 'eliminating the fault'.

It is primarily a noun. While you might hear '故障了' (malfunctioned), it's more standard to use it as an object: '出了故障' or '发生故障'.

Yes, '网站故障' or '系统故障' is very common when a website is down or not working correctly.

Use '起' (qǐ) for individual incidents of failure, e.g., '三起技术故障' (three technical malfunctions).

It can be, but '漏洞' (vulnerability) or '错误' (error/bug) are more specific. '故障' implies the software has actually failed or crashed.

Yes, '电力故障' (electrical failure) is often the cause of a '停电' (power outage).

'故障码' translates to 'fault code' or 'error code,' which mechanics use to diagnose car problems.

Only metaphorically or in very specific medical engineering (like a '故障' in a pacemaker). It's not for natural human illness.