At the A1 level, you should learn '고장나다' as a simple way to say something is 'not working'. Think of it as the opposite of 'well' or 'working'. You will mostly use it in the past tense: '고장 났어요'. This is useful for when your phone, computer, or a toy doesn't work. You can just point at the object and say '[Object]가 고장 났어요'. It's a very helpful 'survival' word. Don't worry about the complex grammar yet; just remember it's for machines and electronics. If you can't remember the word, you can also say '안 돼요' (It doesn't work), but '고장 났어요' specifically means it is broken and needs fixing. Practice saying it with common objects like '핸드폰' (phone), '컴퓨터' (computer), and '시계' (watch).
At the A2 level, you should understand that '고장나다' is used specifically for machines and devices. You should be able to use it with the '-아서/어서' grammar to give reasons. For example, '에어컨이 고장 나서 더워요' (The AC is broken, so it's hot). You should also notice the difference between '고장나다' (something broke) and '고장 내다' (someone broke something). At this level, you can start using it to describe daily inconveniences. You should also recognize the noun form '고장' on signs in public places like elevators or vending machines. Remember to use the subject marker -이/가 with the item that is broken.
At the B1 level, you can use '고장나다' in more complex sentence structures, such as '고장 난 것 같아요' (I think it's broken) or '고장 날까 봐 걱정돼요' (I'm worried it might break). You should also be able to distinguish it from similar verbs like '망가지다' (to be ruined/messed up) and '부서지다' (to be physically smashed). B1 learners should know how to use this word when talking to a repair person (수리 기사) and explaining when and how the breakdown happened. You might say '어제부터 갑자기 고장 났어요' (It suddenly broke starting from yesterday). You should also be comfortable using the word in different politeness levels, from formal '고장났습니다' to casual '고장났어'.
At the B2 level, you should be aware of the metaphorical uses of '고장나다' in casual conversation or literature. For example, '머리가 고장 났다' (My brain is malfunctioning/I'm confused) or '가슴이 고장 났다' (My heart is broken - poetic/rare). You should also understand related technical terms like '오작동' (malfunction) or '수리' (repair) and use them alongside '고장나다'. At this level, you should be able to describe the specific symptoms of a breakdown, such as '화면이 안 나오고 소리만 들리는 걸 보니 고장 난 게 확실해요' (Since the screen doesn't show and only sound is heard, it's definitely broken). You should also be familiar with the causative '고장 내다' in contexts of responsibility and liability.
At the C1 level, you should be able to use '고장나다' and its derivatives in professional and academic contexts. You might discuss '기계 고장의 원인' (the cause of machine breakdown) or '잦은 고장' (frequent breakdowns) in a technical report. You should understand the nuance of using '고장' versus more specific terms like '결함' (defect) or '장애' (systemic failure/glitch). C1 learners should also be able to analyze how the word is used in news reports regarding public infrastructure, such as '신호기 고장으로 인한 교통 정체' (traffic congestion due to signal failure). You should have a firm grasp of the passive and active nuances and be able to use the word fluently in any register.
At the C2 level, you have a native-like grasp of '고장나다'. You can use it with subtle irony, sarcasm, or in highly specialized contexts. You understand its place in the broader Korean vocabulary of 'failure' and can choose it over dozens of alternatives based on the exact physical and social context. You might use it in a philosophical discussion about the 'breakdown' of societal systems or traditional values, though other words like '붕괴' (collapse) might be more common, '고장' can be used for stylistic effect to imply a mechanical failure of society. You are also fully aware of all slang variations and can navigate complex repair negotiations or technical disputes with ease.

고장나다 30秒了解

  • Used for functional failure of machines and electronics.
  • Commonly used in the past tense (고장 났다) to describe the current state.
  • Requires the subject marker (-이/가) for the broken item.
  • Distinguished from physical damage words like '깨지다' or '부러지다'.

The Korean verb 고장나다 (gojang-nada) is an essential term that every learner should master early on. Etymologically, it is a combination of the noun 고장 (故障), meaning 'fault' or 'defect', and the verb 나다, which means 'to occur' or 'to arise'. Therefore, it literally translates to 'a fault has occurred'. In practical English, we translate this as 'to break down', 'to be out of order', or 'to malfunction'. It is specifically used for machines, electronic devices, mechanical systems, or anything with moving parts or functional logic.

Mechanical Failure
Used when a car engine stops working or a refrigerator stops cooling. Example: 차가 고장났어요 (The car broke down).
Electronic Glitch
Used for computers, smartphones, or software issues. Example: 노트북이 고장났어 (My laptop is broken/glitching).
Systemic Issues
Used for elevators, vending machines, or public facilities. Example: 엘리베이터가 고장입니다 (The elevator is out of order).

It is important to distinguish 고장나다 from other 'broken' words. For instance, if a glass shatters, you use 깨지다. If a stick snaps, you use 부러지다. If a piece of clothing is torn, you use 찢어지다. 고장나다 is strictly for functional breakdown. If your phone screen is cracked but the phone still works, it is 깨졌다; if the screen is perfect but the phone won't turn on, it is 고장났다.

세탁기가 고장나서 빨래를 못 해요. (The washing machine is broken, so I can't do the laundry.)

In modern slang, young Koreans sometimes use this word metaphorically. For example, if someone is so shocked or confused that they can't speak, they might say "내 머리가 고장났어" (My brain is broken/malfunctioning). This adds a layer of humor to the conversation, implying that their internal 'processor' has crashed like a computer. However, in formal writing, keep it strictly to physical machinery.

복사기가 또 고장났나요? (Is the photocopier broken again?)

When you encounter a sign on a vending machine or a bathroom stall that says 고장, it is the noun form of this verb. It serves as a warning to users. Understanding this word is crucial for navigating daily life in Korea, as it allows you to report issues to landlords, technicians, or staff at public facilities effectively. Without it, you might find yourself gesturing wildly at a dead laptop or a stalled car without a way to explain the situation concisely.

Using 고장나다 correctly involves understanding its status as an intransitive verb. Unlike the English 'I broke the computer,' where 'I' is the subject and 'computer' is the object, in Korean, the computer is the subject that 'experienced' a breakdown. You would say '컴퓨터가 고장났다' (The computer broke). If you want to say you broke it, you would typically use a different verb like 고장 내다 (to cause a breakdown) or 망가뜨리다 (to ruin/break something).

Past Tense (Most Common)
Usually, we talk about things that are already broken. Form: 고장 났다. Example: 에어컨이 고장 났어요 (The AC is broken).
Reasoning (Cause/Effect)
Using -아서/어서 to explain why something can't be done. Example: 핸드폰이 고장 나서 연락을 못 했어요 (My phone broke, so I couldn't contact you).
Continuous State
Using -아/어 있다 to describe the current state of being broken. Example: 이 문은 고장 나 있어요 (This door is [in the state of being] broken).

When conjugating, remember that 나다 follows the standard '나' conjugation rules. In polite speech, it becomes 고장나요 (present) or 고장났어요 (past). In formal settings, such as reporting to a boss, you would use 고장났습니다. If you are asking a question, simply raise the intonation: 고장났어요?

시계가 고장난 것 같아요. (I think the watch is broken.)

Another advanced usage involves the causative form. If you want to say 'I broke the machine' (implying it was your fault), you use 고장(을) 내다. For example, '동생이 제 컴퓨터를 고장 냈어요' (My younger sibling broke my computer). Here, the object marker -를 is used because 'the sibling' is the active agent of the destruction. This distinction is vital for assigning or accepting responsibility in Korean culture.

기계가 자꾸 고장나서 새로 샀어요. (The machine kept breaking down, so I bought a new one.)

Finally, consider the frequency of the word. In technical manuals, you might see 결함 (defect) or 오작동 (malfunction), but in 99% of spoken interactions—whether with a friend, a repairman, or a store clerk—고장나다 is the standard, natural choice. It is versatile, clear, and universally understood across all age groups in South Korea.

The word 고장나다 is ubiquitous in Korean daily life. One of the most common places you will hear it is in public transportation. If a subway line is delayed due to a mechanical issue, the announcement will often include the phrase '차량 고장' (vehicle breakdown). Similarly, if a bus is pulled over on the side of the road, the driver might tell passengers, '버스가 고장 났으니 다음 버스를 타세요' (The bus broke down, so please take the next one).

At the Service Center (AS 센터)
When you visit a Samsung or LG service center, the first question is usually: '어디가 고장 나서 오셨어요?' (What part is broken/Why did you come in?).
In the Office
Office workers frequently complain about the printer or the water dispenser. '또 고장이야?' (Is it broken again?) is a common refrain.
In Apartment Complexes
Management offices (관리사무소) use this word in notices about elevator maintenance or water pipe repairs.

In Korean dramas (K-Dramas), 고장나다 is a frequent plot device. A character's car breaking down in a remote area often leads to a romantic or tense moment between the leads. You might hear a character frustratedly hitting the steering wheel and yelling, '왜 하필 지금 고장 나는 거야!' (Why does it have to break down right now!). This highlights the word's emotional weight—it represents an inconvenience that disrupts the flow of life.

노트북이 고장나서 과제를 못 끝냈어요. (My laptop broke down, so I couldn't finish my assignment.)

You will also see the word in written form on stickers or taped papers. If a public toilet is out of service, a sign saying '고장 - 수리 중' (Broken - Under Repair) will be posted. In the world of online shopping and reviews, customers often use this word to complain about receiving defective products: '배송받을 때부터 고장 나 있었어요' (It was broken from the moment I received it).

전화기가 고장난 모양이에요. (It seems like the phone is out of order.)

Finally, listen for it in weather reports or news segments during extreme weather. Heavy rain or freezing temperatures often lead to '계량기 고장' (water meter breakdown) or '신호등 고장' (traffic light failure). In these contexts, the word is used to explain systemic disruptions affecting the entire city. It is a word that bridges the gap between personal inconvenience and public infrastructure issues.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make is using 고장나다 for things that are physically damaged but not mechanical. In English, we say 'the chair is broken' if a leg falls off. In Korean, if you say '의자가 고장났다', it sounds very strange because a chair has no 'mechanism' to fail. Instead, you should use 부서지다 (to be smashed/broken) or 부러지다 (to be snapped). Use 고장나다 only for things that 'run' or 'operate'.

Mistake: Physical Objects
Incorrect: 책상이 고장났어요 (The desk is broken). Correct: 책상이 부서졌어요.
Mistake: Body Parts
Incorrect: 다리가 고장났어요 (My leg is broken). Correct: 다리가 부러졌어요.
Mistake: Active vs Passive
Incorrect: 제가 컴퓨터를 고장났어요 (I broke the computer). Correct: 제가 컴퓨터를 고장 냈어요.

Another common mistake involves the particles. Because 고장나다 is an intransitive verb, the 'broken thing' is the subject. Beginners often use the object marker -를/을 by habit. Remember: 컴퓨터가 고장나다 (The computer breaks), not 컴퓨터를 고장나다. If you want to use the object marker, you must change the verb to 고장 내다.

자전거가 고장나서 걸어왔어요. (The bike broke down, so I walked here.)

Confusion also arises between 고장나다 and 망가지다. While they overlap, 망가지다 is broader. You can use 망가지다 for a ruined reputation, a crushed box, or a broken toy. 고장나다 is more technical. If a robot stops moving, it is 고장나다. If you step on the robot and it gets crushed, it is 망가지다. Using 고장나다 for a crushed box would make it sound like the box has an internal engine that stopped working!

리모컨이 고장난 것 같아요. (I think the remote control is broken.)

Finally, avoid using 고장나다 for relationships. In English, we say 'a broken relationship.' In Korean, we say '사이가 나빠지다' (the relationship became bad) or '헤어지다' (to break up). Using 고장나다 for people sounds like you are calling them a malfunctioning robot, which could be taken as an insult or just very confusing.

When discussing things that aren't working, Korean offers several nuances. Choosing the right one makes you sound more like a native speaker. The most common alternative to 고장나다 is 망가지다. While 고장나다 focuses on the internal failure of a machine, 망가지다 focuses on the fact that something is 'ruined' or 'out of shape'.

망가지다 (to be ruined/broken)
Broader than 고장나다. Used for toys, plans, bodies, or machines. Example: 장난감이 망가졌어요 (The toy is broken/ruined).
작동하지 않다 (to not operate)
More formal. Used in manuals or technical reports. Example: 기계가 작동하지 않습니다 (The machine is not operating).
안 되다 (to not work)
The most casual and common way to say something isn't working. Example: 인터넷이 안 돼요 (The internet isn't working).

If the 'break' involves physical separation, you must use specific verbs. For things that shatter like glass or porcelain, use 깨지다. For things that snap like pencils, bones, or branches, use 부러지다. For things that tear like paper or cloth, use 찢어지다. Using 고장나다 in these cases is a common beginner error.

텔레비전 화면이 깨졌어요. (The TV screen is shattered.) vs 텔레비전이 고장났어요. (The TV is malfunctioning.)

In formal contexts, like a news report or a business email, you might encounter 결함이 있다 (to have a defect) or 장애가 발생하다 (for a 'disorder' or 'glitch' to occur). The latter is very common in IT contexts, such as '서버 장애' (server glitch/outage). While 고장나다 is perfectly fine, using these specific terms can elevate your Korean to a professional level.

엔진에 결함이 발견되었습니다. (A defect was discovered in the engine.)

Lastly, for things that are simply 'stuck' or not moving correctly but aren't necessarily 'broken' internally, you can use 걸리다 (to be caught) or 멈추다 (to stop). For example, if paper is stuck in a printer, it's 종이가 걸렸다. If the printer's internal motor is dead, it's 프린터가 고장났다. Understanding these distinctions will help you describe problems accurately to repair technicians.

How Formal Is It?

趣味小知识

While '고장' means breakdown, the same sounding word '고장' (古場) in a different Hanja can mean 'hometown' or 'region', but they are never confused in context.

发音指南

UK ko.dzaŋ.na.da
US go.dʒaŋ.nɑ.dɑ
Even stress on all syllables, typical of Korean.
押韵词
떠나다 (tteonada) 나타나다 (natanada), 일어나다 (ireonada) 자라나다 (jaranada) 생겨나다 (saenggyeonada) 벗어나다 (beoseonada) 드러나다 (deureonada) 깨어나다 (kkaeonada)
常见错误
  • Pronouncing 'go' like 'ko' with a heavy puff of air.
  • Merging 'jang' and 'na' into 'ja-na'.
  • Adding an English-style stress on the first syllable.
  • Mispronouncing the 'ng' sound at the end of 'jang'.
  • Forgetting to nasalize the 'n' in 'nada'.

难度评级

阅读 2/5

Easy to recognize in texts and signs.

写作 3/5

Requires remembering the spelling and the space between 고장 and 나다.

口语 2/5

Very common and easy to use in daily life.

听力 2/5

Commonly heard in announcements and conversations.

接下来学什么

前置知识

나다 (to occur) 기계 (machine) 안 (not) 하다 (to do) 되다 (to become/work)

接下来学习

수리하다 (to repair) 고치다 (to fix) 부품 (parts) 망가지다 (to be ruined) 보증 (warranty)

高级

오작동 (malfunction) 결함 (defect) 노후화 (obsolescence/aging) 유지보수 (maintenance)

需要掌握的语法

-아서/어서 (Reason)

고장 나서 못 해요.

-ㄴ 것 같다 (Speculation)

고장 난 것 같아요.

-ㄴ 지 (Time since)

고장 난 지 일주일 됐어요.

-는 바람에 (Negative Cause)

고장 나는 바람에 늦었어요.

-기 쉽다 (Easy to)

이건 고장 나기 쉬워요.

按水平分级的例句

1

컴퓨터가 고장 났어요.

The computer is broken.

Subject marker -가 + past tense 고장 났다.

2

핸드폰이 고장 났어요.

The cell phone is broken.

Noun + 이 (subject marker).

3

이거 고장 났어요?

Is this broken?

Question form of the past tense.

4

시계가 고장 났어요.

The watch is broken.

Simple declarative sentence.

5

텔레비전이 고장 났어요.

The TV is broken.

Standard A1 sentence structure.

6

라디오가 고장 났어요.

The radio is broken.

Using -이/가 for the subject.

7

장난감이 고장 났어요.

The toy is broken.

Common use for mechanical toys.

8

카메라가 고장 났어요.

The camera is broken.

Simple S-V structure.

1

에어컨이 고장 나서 더워요.

The AC is broken, so it's hot.

Using -아서/어서 for cause and effect.

2

차가 고장 나서 버스를 탔어요.

The car broke down, so I took the bus.

Sequential actions with -아서.

3

냉장고가 고장 난 것 같아요.

I think the refrigerator is broken.

Using -ㄴ 것 같다 for speculation.

4

엘리베이터가 고장 나서 계단으로 가요.

The elevator is broken, so I'm taking the stairs.

Reasoning with -나서.

5

세탁기가 고장 났는데 어떻게 하죠?

The washing machine is broken, what should I do?

Using -는데 to provide background.

6

자전거가 고장 나서 못 타요.

The bike is broken, so I can't ride it.

Negative ability with '못'.

7

노트북이 고장 나면 안 돼요.

It shouldn't happen that the laptop breaks.

Using -면 안 되다 for 'should not'.

8

프린터가 고장 나서 복사를 못 해요.

The printer is broken, so I can't copy.

Cause and effect.

1

어제 산 선풍기가 벌써 고장 났어요.

The fan I bought yesterday is already broken.

Noun modifying clause (어제 산).

2

고장 난 핸드폰을 수리하러 가요.

I'm going to repair my broken phone.

Noun modifying form (고장 난).

3

자꾸 고장 나서 새로 하나 사려고요.

It keeps breaking, so I'm planning to buy a new one.

Using -려고요 for intention.

4

갑자기 고장 나는 바람에 당황했어요.

I was flustered because it suddenly broke down.

Using -는 바람에 for unexpected negative causes.

5

고장 나지 않게 조심해서 쓰세요.

Use it carefully so it doesn't break.

Using -지 않게 for 'so that [not]'.

6

무슨 이유로 고장 났는지 모르겠어요.

I don't know for what reason it broke.

Indirect question with -는지.

7

고장 나기 전에는 아주 잘 됐어요.

It worked very well before it broke.

Using -기 전에 for 'before'.

8

엘리베이터가 고장 나서 10층까지 걸어 올라갔어요.

The elevator broke, so I walked up to the 10th floor.

Sequential logic with -아서.

1

기계가 고장 난 원인을 파악 중입니다.

We are in the process of identifying the cause of the machine's breakdown.

Formal phrase '원인을 파악 중'.

2

너무 무리하게 사용하면 금방 고장 나요.

If you use it too excessively, it will break soon.

Conditional -면 with adverb '무리하게'.

3

고장 난 부분을 찾기가 쉽지 않네요.

It's not easy to find the broken part.

Gerund form -기 and subject marker.

4

이 제품은 고장이 잘 안 나기로 유명해요.

This product is famous for not breaking easily.

Using -기로 유명하다 (famous for...).

5

고장 났을 때를 대비해서 보험을 들었어요.

I got insurance in case it breaks.

-을 때를 대비해서 (in preparation for when...).

6

산 지 얼마 안 됐는데 벌써 고장 나다니 믿을 수 없어요.

I can't believe it's already broken when I just bought it.

Using -다니 to express surprise/disbelief.

7

컴퓨터가 고장 나는 바람에 중요한 자료를 다 잃어버렸어요.

Because the computer broke, I lost all my important data.

-는 바람에 for negative results.

8

고장 나기 쉬운 부품은 미리 교체하는 게 좋아요.

It's good to replace parts that are easy to break in advance.

-기 쉽다 (easy to...).

1

시스템 고장으로 인해 서비스 이용이 일시 중단되었습니다.

Service has been temporarily suspended due to a system failure.

Formal '...으로 인해' (due to).

2

잦은 고장은 제품의 신뢰도를 떨어뜨리는 주요 요인이다.

Frequent breakdowns are a major factor that lowers product reliability.

Written style ending in -다.

3

노후화된 장비가 고장 나는 것은 어찌 보면 당연한 일이다.

In a way, it's natural for outdated equipment to break down.

Using '어찌 보면' (in a certain light).

4

부품의 미세한 결함이 전체 시스템의 고장을 초래했다.

A tiny defect in a part caused the failure of the entire system.

Advanced verb '초래하다' (to cause/bring about).

5

고장 난 기계를 방치하면 더 큰 사고로 이어질 수 있습니다.

If you leave broken machinery unattended, it can lead to bigger accidents.

Conditional and potentiality.

6

소프트웨어의 충돌로 인해 운영체제가 고장 난 것처럼 멈췄다.

The OS froze as if it were broken due to a software conflict.

Simile using '것처럼'.

7

철저한 유지보수를 통해 고장을 미연에 방지해야 합니다.

Breakdowns must be prevented in advance through thorough maintenance.

Formal '미연에 방지하다' (prevent in advance).

8

고장 신고를 접수한 지 한 시간 만에 수리 기사가 도착했다.

The repairman arrived just one hour after the breakdown report was received.

Time interval marker '-만에'.

1

기계적 고장뿐만 아니라 논리적 오류까지 겹쳐 상황이 악화되었다.

The situation worsened as logical errors were added to the mechanical failure.

Complex additive structure '...뿐만 아니라 ...까지'.

2

인간의 뇌도 과부하가 걸리면 컴퓨터처럼 고장 나기 마련이다.

The human brain is bound to malfunction like a computer when overloaded.

-기 마련이다 (it is bound to happen).

3

그의 논리는 어디선가 고장 난 시계처럼 멈춰 버린 듯했다.

His logic seemed to have stopped like a broken clock somewhere.

Metaphorical use in literature.

4

고장 난 녹음기마냥 똑같은 말만 되풀이하는 그가 원망스러웠다.

I resented him for repeating the same words like a broken recorder.

Simile '-마냥'.

5

정밀 기기일수록 작은 충격에도 치명적인 고장이 발생할 확률이 높다.

The more precise the instrument, the higher the probability of fatal failure even from small impacts.

Proportional structure '-을수록'.

6

고장 난 자본주의의 수레바퀴를 고치기 위한 대책이 시급하다.

Measures to fix the broken wheels of capitalism are urgent.

Highly abstract/political usage.

7

부품 수급의 차질로 인해 고장 난 설비의 가동 중단이 장기화되고 있다.

Due to disruptions in parts supply, the shutdown of broken facilities is being prolonged.

Business/industrial terminology.

8

우리 사이의 신뢰는 이미 고장 난 지 오래라 수선이 불가능해 보였다.

The trust between us had been broken for so long that repair seemed impossible.

Metaphorical extension to relationships.

常见搭配

자꾸 고장나다
갑자기 고장나다
고장 날 우려
고장 원인
고장 수리
기계 고장
엔진 고장
고장 신고
고장이 잦다
완전히 고장나다

常用短语

고장 난 거 아냐?

— Isn't it broken? Used when something isn't working as expected.

리모컨이 안 되네. 고장 난 거 아냐?

어디가 고장 났어요?

— What part is broken? Standard question from a repairman.

어서 오세요. 어디가 고장 났어요?

고장 나서 못 써요.

— It's broken, so I can't use it.

그 노트북 고장 나서 못 써요.

고장 날까 봐...

— I'm afraid it might break...

고장 날까 봐 조마조마해요.

고장인 것 같아요.

— I think it's out of order.

자판기가 고장인 것 같아요.

고장 없이 오래 쓰다

— To use for a long time without breaking.

고장 없이 오래 쓰고 싶어요.

고장 난 지 얼마나 됐어요?

— How long has it been broken?

세탁기가 고장 난 지 얼마나 됐어요?

또 고장이야?

— Broken again? Expression of frustration.

아, 또 고장이야? 진짜 짜증 나네.

고장 나기 직전이에요.

— It's on the verge of breaking.

차가 이상한 소리가 나요. 고장 나기 직전이에요.

고장 난 부분을 고치다

— To fix the broken part.

고장 난 부분을 직접 고쳤어요.

容易混淆的词

고장나다 vs 깨지다

Use for glass/screens shattering, not functional failure.

고장나다 vs 부서지다

Use for physical objects like chairs or boxes breaking into pieces.

고장나다 vs 부러지다

Use for long objects like pencils or bones snapping.

习语与表达

"머리가 고장나다"

— To be unable to think clearly or be very confused.

시험 공부를 너무 많이 해서 머리가 고장 난 것 같아.

Slang/Informal
"가슴이 고장나다"

— To have a broken heart or feel deep emotional pain.

그녀가 떠난 후 내 가슴은 고장 나 버렸다.

Poetic/Literary
"고장 난 녹음기"

— Someone who repeats the same thing over and over.

너는 고장 난 녹음기처럼 왜 자꾸 똑같은 소리만 하니?

Casual
"눈물샘이 고장나다"

— To cry uncontrollably or for a long time.

슬픈 영화를 보고 눈물샘이 고장 났는지 계속 눈물이 나요.

Casual/Hyperbole
"입이 고장나다"

— To keep saying things one shouldn't, or to have a physical issue speaking.

오늘 입이 고장 났나? 자꾸 실수를 하네.

Informal
"고장 난 시계도 하루에 두 번은 맞는다"

— Even a broken clock is right twice a day (Even a foolish person can be right sometimes).

고장 난 시계도 하루에 두 번은 맞는다더니, 네 말이 맞네.

Proverb
"배꼽이 고장나다"

— To laugh so hard your stomach hurts.

그 개그맨 때문에 배꼽이 고장 날 뻔했어요.

Casual/Hyperbole
"세상이 고장나다"

— To feel like the world is going crazy or not working as it should.

요즘 뉴스를 보면 세상이 고장 난 것 같아요.

Metaphorical
"손이 고장나다"

— To keep dropping things or making mistakes with one's hands.

오늘 손이 고장 났나 봐요. 자꾸 컵을 떨어뜨려요.

Informal
"발이 고장나다"

— To trip often or walk clumsily.

발이 고장 났는지 자꾸 넘어져요.

Informal

容易混淆

고장나다 vs 망가지다

Both mean 'broken'.

고장나다 is specifically for internal failure of machines. 망가지다 is more general and includes physical ruin.

The machine stopped working (고장나다). The toy is crushed (망가지다).

고장나다 vs 안 되다

Both imply something isn't working.

안 되다 is broader (e.g., internet, plans, permission). 고장나다 is specifically about a breakdown.

The internet is not working (안 되다). The router is broken (고장나다).

고장나다 vs 멈추다

A broken machine stops.

멈추다 means to stop moving. It could be for a break or just temporary.

The clock stopped (멈추다/고장나다). The car stopped at the light (멈추다).

고장나다 vs 터지다

A machine might 'break' by exploding.

터지다 means to pop, burst, or explode.

The tire burst (터지다). The engine broke down (고장나다).

고장나다 vs 찢어지다

People say 'it's broken' for paper.

찢어지다 is specifically for tearing paper, cloth, or skin.

The paper is torn (찢어지다). The printer is broken (고장나다).

句型

A1

[Item]가 고장 났어요.

시계가 고장 났어요.

A2

[Item]가 고장 나서 [Result].

에어컨이 고장 나서 더워요.

B1

[Item]가 고장 난 것 같아요.

라디오가 고장 난 것 같아요.

B1

고장 난 [Item]를 수리하다.

고장 난 컴퓨터를 수리해요.

B2

[Item]가 고장 나기 쉽다.

유리는 고장 나기 쉬워요. (Wait, use for machines: 선풍기는...)

B2

[Item]를 고장 내다.

동생이 제 폰을 고장 냈어요.

C1

[Item] 고장으로 인해 [Result].

시스템 고장으로 인해 업무가 중단되었다.

C2

고장 난 [Abstract Noun]마냥...

고장 난 시계마냥 과거에 머물러 있다.

词族

名词

고장 (故障) - breakdown/fault
고장 수리 - breakdown repair
고장 신고 - breakdown report

动词

고장 내다 - to break something (active/causative)
고장 나다 - to break down (intransitive)

形容词

고장 난 - broken (modifying noun)

相关

수리하다 (to repair)
고치다 (to fix)
망가지다 (to be ruined)
작동하다 (to operate)
부품 (parts)

如何使用

frequency

Extremely high in daily life and technical contexts.

常见错误
  • 의자가 고장 났어요. 의자가 부서졌어요.

    Chairs aren't machines; they don't 'break down' functionally.

  • 제가 컴퓨터를 고장 났어요. 제가 컴퓨터를 고장 냈어요.

    You can't 'be broken' the computer. You 'caused' it to break.

  • 핸드폰을 고장 났어요. 핸드폰이 고장 났어요.

    The item that breaks is the subject, so use -이/가, not -를/을.

  • 팔이 고장 났어요. 팔이 부러졌어요.

    Use '부러지다' for broken bones. '고장나다' makes you sound like a robot.

  • 종이가 고장 났어요. 종이가 찢어졌어요.

    Paper is torn, not functionally broken.

小贴士

Use with -이/가

Always pair the broken item with the subject marker -이/가. Example: 세탁기 고장 났어요.

Machines Only

Restrict this word to electronics, vehicles, and mechanical tools. Don't use it for simple physical objects.

Spelling Check

Remember the 'ㅇ' in '장'. It's not '고잔' or '고잠'.

Past Tense

Most of the time, you will use '고장 났다' (past) because you are talking about something that is currently in a broken state.

Signs

If you see a sign that just says '고장', it means 'Out of Order'. Don't try to use the machine!

AS Centers

If something is '고장', search for 'AS 센터' (Service Center) on your map app.

Casual Alternative

In very casual situations, you can just say '안 돼요' (It's not working) instead of '고장 났어요'.

Causative Form

Use '고장 내다' if you want to admit you were the one who broke the machine.

Announcements

In the subway, '차량 고장' (vehicle breakdown) is a common reason for delays. Listen for these words.

Reporting Issues

When emailing a landlord about a broken boiler, '보일러가 고장 났습니다' is the perfect formal opening.

记住它

记忆技巧

Imagine a 'GO-cart' that 'JANG-led' (jangled) and then 'NADA' (nada/nothing) happened—it stopped working!

视觉联想

A red 'X' over a gear or a smartphone with a sad face on the screen.

Word Web

수리 (Repair) 기계 (Machine) 컴퓨터 (Computer) 자동차 (Car) 서비스 센터 (Service Center) 엔진 (Engine) 부품 (Parts) 작동 (Operation)

挑战

Go around your house and identify three things that could '고장나다'. Say the sentence for each: '[Item]가 고장 났어요'.

词源

Derived from the Sino-Korean word '고장' (故障). '고' (故) means old or reason, and '장' (障) means obstacle or barrier. Combined with the native Korean verb '나다' (to occur).

原始含义: An obstacle or hindrance that arises in a system.

Sino-Korean (Hanja) + Native Korean (Verb).

文化背景

Calling a person '고장났다' can be offensive as it implies they are a defective object. Use with caution metaphorically.

English speakers use 'broken' for everything. Remember that in Korean, you must specify the type of 'breaking'. A window is never '고장나다'.

K-Drama 'Crash Landing on You': Various mechanical issues lead to plot turns. Song '고장난 벽시계' (Broken Wall Clock) by Na Hoon-a: A famous trot song about time and life. Webtoon 'Gaus Electronics': Frequently features office equipment breakdowns.

在生活中练习

真实语境

At Home

  • 냉장고가 고장 났어요.
  • 세탁기가 안 돌아가요, 고장인가 봐요.
  • 전등이 고장 났어요.
  • 인터넷 공유기가 고장 났나 봐요.

At the Office

  • 복사기가 또 고장 났어요.
  • 엘리베이터가 고장 나서 늦었어요.
  • 제 노트북이 갑자기 고장 났어요.
  • 커피 머신 고장입니다.

Driving/Transportation

  • 차가 길 한복판에서 고장 났어요.
  • 엔진 고장으로 견인차가 필요해요.
  • 자전거 체인이 고장 났어요.
  • 지하철 고장으로 지연되고 있어요.

Public Places

  • 이 자판기 고장 났어요.
  • 화장실 문고리가 고장 났어요.
  • ATM기가 고장 났네요.
  • 공중전화가 고장 났어요.

Repair Shop

  • 고장 난 지 며칠 됐어요.
  • 수리비가 얼마나 나올까요?
  • 어디가 고장인지 봐 주세요.
  • 부품이 없어서 고치기 힘들대요.

对话开场白

"제 핸드폰이 고장 났는데, 근처에 수리점이 어디예요?"

"혹시 이 기계 어떻게 쓰는지 아세요? 고장 난 것 같아요."

"어제 산 노트북이 벌써 고장 났어요. 너무 화가 나요."

"차가 고장 나서 오늘 모임에 못 갈 것 같아요. 미안해요."

"집에 에어컨이 고장 나서 너무 더운데, 우리 카페 갈까요?"

日记主题

오늘 고장 난 물건 때문에 겪은 불편함에 대해 써 보세요.

내가 가장 아끼는 물건이 고장 난다면 기분이 어떨까요?

최근에 무엇인가를 수리한 경험이 있나요? 자세히 적어 보세요.

디지털 기기가 모두 고장 난 세상을 상상해 보세요.

왜 어떤 물건들은 금방 고장 나고, 어떤 것들은 오래갈까요?

常见问题

10 个问题

Rarely. In English, we say 'broken heart,' but in Korean, we use '가슴이 아프다' (heart hurts) or '상처받다' (receive a wound). '가슴이 고장나다' is very poetic and dramatic, not for normal use.

고장나다 is intransitive (The computer broke). 고장 내다 is transitive/causative (I broke the computer). Use '내다' when you want to emphasize who is responsible.

Technically yes, '고장 나다' is the standard spelling, but it is very frequently written as one word '고장나다' in casual writing and even some dictionaries.

No. A pencil is not a machine. Use '부러지다' (to snap).

You say '고장 난 채로 배달되었어요' or '올 때부터 고장 나 있었어요'.

There isn't one perfect verb, but '작동하다' (to operate) or '고쳐지다' (to be fixed) are common antonyms.

Yes, but '오류' (error) or '버그' (bug) are more specific. However, saying '프로그램이 고장 났다' is understood.

Yes, it is the most common word for a car breaking down.

Only if it's a high-tech massage chair with electronic parts. For a normal wooden chair, use '부서지다'.

It is neutral. It can be used in any setting, depending on the conjugation (e.g., 고장 났습니다 vs 고장 났어).

自我测试 192 个问题

writing

Translate: My phone is broken.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: The car broke down, so I am late.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: I think the computer is broken.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: Who broke this?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: It breaks down frequently because it is old.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: The elevator is under repair.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: I'm going to the service center to fix my laptop.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: This machine is easy to break.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: Please report the breakdown.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: The TV screen is broken.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: My washing machine broke yesterday.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: It suddenly stopped working.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: There is a defect in the engine.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: Don't break it!

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: It has been broken for three days.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: The microwave is out of order.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: My head is broken (slang for confused).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: Due to a system failure, service is unavailable.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: I need to buy a new one because it broke.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: The bike chain is broken.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say 'The computer is broken' in polite Korean.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Ask 'Is the elevator broken?'

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Explain that you are late because your car broke down.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Tell someone not to break the toy.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say 'I think the washing machine is broken.'

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Ask where the nearest repair shop is.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say 'My phone suddenly stopped working.'

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Tell the technician that the screen doesn't turn on.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say 'It breaks down every time I use it.'

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say 'I'm calling to report a breakdown.'

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say 'The printer is out of order again.'

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Ask how much the repair will cost.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say 'It's been broken since yesterday.'

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say 'I'll fix it by tomorrow.'

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say 'My brain is malfunctioning (slang).'

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say 'The AC broke, so it's too hot.'

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say 'Is there a warranty for this breakdown?'

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say 'I lost my data because of the breakdown.'

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say 'The bike is broken, so I'll walk.'

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say 'I hope it doesn't break.'

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen: '차가 고장 났어요.' What is broken?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen: '고장 난 것 같아요.' Does the speaker know for sure?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen: '수리 중입니다.' What is happening?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen: '고장 신고는 1번.' Which button to press for reporting?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen: '또 고장이야?' Is the speaker happy?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen: '원인을 모르겠어요.' Do they know why it broke?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen: '내일 기사가 올 거예요.' Who is coming tomorrow?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen: 'AS 센터에 가보세요.' Where should you go?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen: '고장 나기 직전이에요.' Is it broken yet?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen: '부품이 없대요.' Why can't it be fixed?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen: '지하철 고장으로 지연 중.' Why is the subway late?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen: '새로 사야겠어요.' What will they do?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen: '고장 내면 안 돼.' Is it okay to break it?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen: '냉장고가 조용해요.' What might this imply?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen: '컴퓨터가 멈췄어요.' Is this a 고장?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:

/ 192 correct

Perfect score!

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