停電

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: The written form is 停電, read ていでん. Elements for stopping and electricity combine to denote an interruption of electrical power.
• Basic usage: 突然停電する describes a sudden outage during construction, while 停電が復旧する marks the period until power is restored.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• A sudden outage stopping machinery
  • A sudden power failure during construction stops the machine. Example: 工事中に突然停電し、機械が止まりました。 — The power suddenly failed during construction, stopping the machine.
• Candlelight used until restoration
  • Candlelight is used until electrical service returns. Example: 停電が復旧するまで、ろうそくの明かりで過ごしました。 — We used candlelight until power was restored.