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How to Say ‘The machine isn't working properly’ in Japanese

機械の調子が悪い

kikai no choushi ga warui

[kee-KAI noh CHOH-shee ga warui]

Phrase Breakdown

機械の

kikai no

the machine's

機械 (kikai) means 'machine'. の shows possession. Say each syllable clearly: 'ki-ka-i'.

Example

機械の使い方を教えてください。

Please show me how to use the machine.

Words in this phrase

機械

kikai

[kee-KAI]

machine

A mechanical or electronic device, such as a card reader.

Example

この機械は新しいです。

This machine is new.

の

no

[noh]

of

A linking particle connecting nouns, like 'of' or showing description.

Example

前の方が見やすいです。

The front area is easier to see from.

調子が悪い

choushi ga warui

is not working well

This common expression means something isn't working properly. 'Choushi ga warui.'

Example

パソコンの調子が悪い。

My computer isn't working well.

Words in this phrase

調子

choushi

[CHOH-shee]

condition; state

How well something or someone is working or feeling.

Example

今日は体の調子がいい。

I feel in good shape today.

が

ga

[ga]

subject marker

A particle marking the subject of the sentence.

Example

興味がある分野を教えてください。

Please tell me the field you are interested in.

悪い

warui

[warui]

Bad

Having a negative quality or attribute.

Example

悪い天気で外に出られません。

I can't go outside because of the bad weather.

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