How to Say ‘The machine is out of order today.’ in Japanese
今日は機械が故障中なんです。
kyou wa kikai ga koshou chuu na n desu
[kyoh wah kee-KAI ga koh-SHOH CHOO nah n dess]
Phrase Breakdown
今日は機械が
kyou wa kikai ga
today, the machine
今日は means 'today' (は is pronounced 'wa'), and 機械が means 'the machine'. Say it as 'kyou wa kikai ga'.
今日は機械が新しいです。
Today the machine is new.
Words in this phrase
今日
kyou
[kyoh]
today
The current day.
今日のコンサートは満席です。
Today's concert is full.
は
wa
[wah]
topic marker; as for
Marks 'today' as the topic. Written は but pronounced 'wa.'
本日はお時間をいただき、ありがとうございます。
Thank you for giving me your time today.
機械
kikai
[kee-KAI]
machine
A mechanical or electronic device, such as a card reader.
この機械は新しいです。
This machine is new.
が
ga
[ga]
subject marker
A particle marking the subject of the sentence.
興味がある分野を教えてください。
Please tell me the field you are interested in.
故障中なんです。
koshou chuu na n desu
is out of order
故障中 means 'currently broken', and なんです adds an explanatory tone. Say it as 'koshouchuu nan desu', with long 'shou' and 'chuu' sounds.
エレベーターは故障中なんです。
The elevator is out of order.
Words in this phrase
故障
koshou
[koh-SHOH]
breakdown; malfunction
Noun for a machine being broken or out of order.
エアコンが故障しました。
The air conditioner broke down.
中
chuu
[CHOO]
in the middle of; under way
Suffix meaning something is ongoing.
会議中です。
A meeting is in progress.
な
na
[nah]
(copula before ん)
Form of だ used before んです after a noun.
休みなんです。
It's a day off, you see.
ん
n
[n]
explanatory tone
ん adds an explanatory or noticing tone, like “so...” or “I see...”
そう言うんですね。
So that’s how you say it, huh.
です
desu
[dess]
is; polite copula
A polite sentence ending used in formal conversation.
少し伺いたいです。
I would like to ask a little.
Get the Full Learning Experience
This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.
Pronunciation Feedback
AI-powered feedback on what you say out loud
Spaced Repetition
Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice
Immersive Roleplaying
Practice real conversations with AI partners
Lessons for Your Situation
Request lessons tailored to your specific needs
Get Full LessonWhat Learners Are Saying
“Teaching in Osaka and I wanted to connect with my students beyond the classroom. The everyday conversation made my Japanese feel natural, not textbook-y.”
Mia S., 25, English Teacher
“I hop cities every few months and this is the only app that actually prepares me for living somewhere, not just visiting. Tokyo was the real test — passed with flying colors.”
James O., 28, Remote Worker
“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”
Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager