故障

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 故障, read こしょう, is a breakdown or malfunction of a machine or vehicle.
• Basic usage: 洗濯機が故障して reports an actual breakdown; 車の故障がないか checks whether any malfunction exists.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Actual failure and inspection for failure
  • The first clause asserts a malfunction, while がないか leaves its presence open as the object of inspection.