故障
gùzhàng
malfunction, breakdown
Part of speech · noun
Pattern visualization
no decomposition available
Examples
- 电梯出了故障，我们只好走楼梯。The elevator broke down, so we had to take the stairs.
- 机器发生了故障，需要修理。The machine has a malfunction and needs repair.
Collocations
出故障发生故障机器故障排除故障
Mnemonic
故 gù "cause, incident" + 障 zhàng "to block": a blockage from some cause, i.e. a malfunction or breakdown of machinery. Common as 出故障 / 发生故障 (to break down). The 障 is the same as in 障碍 (obstacle) and 保障 (to guarantee). A noun; verbs are 出 / 发生.
Related
毛病问题障碍损坏
Quick check
What does 出故障 mean?