Translation and Meaning of: 失敗 - shippai

The Japanese word 失敗 (しっぱい, shippai) is a common term that carries significant weight in daily life and Japanese culture. If you are studying Japanese or simply have curiosity about the language, understanding the meaning, origin, and use of this word can open doors to better comprehend how the Japanese deal with mistakes and failures. In this article, we will explore everything from the composition of the kanjis to the cultural context in which 失敗 is used, along with practical memorization tips and usage examples.

Meaning and Composition of 失敗

失敗 is formed by two kanjis: 失 (loss, error) and 敗 (defeat, failure). Together, they convey the idea of "failure" or "mistake," whether in a project, task, or action. The reading しっぱい (shippai) is the most common, but it can also be read as しつぱい (shitsupai) in less formal contexts. The term is often used to describe situations where something did not go as planned, from small slips to major setbacks.

It is worth noting that 失敗 is not limited to just technical or professional mistakes. It can also be applied in personal contexts, such as when someone makes a mistake in a relationship or fails to keep a promise. This versatility makes the word widely used in everyday life, appearing in conversations, news, and even in media like animes and dramas.

Cultural Lies and Perception in Japan

In Japan, the notion of 失敗 is deeply linked to the culture of perfectionism and responsibility. Making a mistake is often seen as a learning opportunity, but it can also bring about shame, especially in professional settings. Companies and schools tend to emphasize the importance of avoiding failures, which reflects the value placed on efficiency and discipline in Japanese society.

However, there is also a lighter side to the use of the word. In informal situations, such as among friends, 失敗 can be used casually to joke about small mistakes, like burning a dish while cooking or forgetting an appointment. This duality shows how the term adapts to different emotional and social contexts.

Tips for Memorizing and Using 失敗

An effective way to memorize 失敗 is to associate the kanjis with images or concrete situations. For example, 失 (loss) can be remembered as something that "slipped through your fingers," while 敗 (defeat) refers to a lost battle. Combining the two makes it easier to visualize the concept of failure. Another tip is to practice with simple sentences, like "昨日のテストは失敗だった" (Yesterday's test was a failure).

For those who want to deepen their knowledge, it is worth observing how the word appears in different contexts. In animes like "Shirokuma Café" or "Barakamon," for example, characters often deal with situations of 失敗, showing varied reactions that range from frustration to humor. These representations help to better understand the emotional nuances related to the term.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 失敗 (しっぱい) - Falha, erro
• 失敗する (しっぱいする) - fail, make a mistake
• 落ちる (おちる) - Fall (it can also mean to fail at something)
• うまくいかない (うまくいかない) - Not going well, not going as planned

失敗

Romaji: shippai
Kana: しっぱい
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n4

Translation / Meaning: failure; error; error

Meaning in English: failure;mistake;blunder

Definition: I could not achieve the results you were expecting, contradicting your goals and desires.

Example Sentences - (失敗) shippai

See below some example sentences:

大凡の計画は失敗する。

Daibon no keikaku wa shippai suru

Roughly planned projects are doomed to fail.

The overall plan fails.

• 大凡 - means "generally" or "in general".
• の - possession particle, which indicates that "大凡" is the possessor of the next word.
• 計画 - means "plan" or "project".
• は - topic particle, which indicates that "計画" is the subject of the sentence.
• 失敗する - means "to fail".

失敗は成功のもと。

Shippai wa seikou no moto

Failure teaches success.

• 失敗 (shippai) - failure, failure
• は (wa) - grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 成功 (seikou) - success
• の (no) - grammatical particle that indicates possession or relationship between two words
• もと (moto) - Base, foundation

焦ると失敗する。

Apressar

It leads to failure

If you are impatient, you will fail.

• 焦る - verb meaning "to be anxious" or "to be impatient"
• と - particle that indicates a cause and effect relationship
• 失敗する - verb meaning "to fail" or "to fail"