Translation guide
Describes a state where things are not in their proper order, arrangement, or condition. Covers physical mess, disorganization, malfunction, and social unrest.
Describing a room, desk, hair, etc. that is not neat or orderly.
The most common and natural way to say a place is messy or cluttered. Often used for rooms, desks, etc.
部屋が散らかっている。
The room is messy.
机の上が散らかっている。
The desk is cluttered.
Implies something is out of its proper order or arrangement, often used for hair, clothes, or a formation.
Describes a jumbled, chaotic mess with many things mixed together. More colloquial.
引き出しの中がごちゃごちゃしている。
The inside of the drawer is a jumbled mess.
Describing a situation, plan, or system that is not functioning smoothly or is confused.
Indicates a state of confusion or chaos, often for situations, thoughts, or systems.
スケジュールが混乱している。
The schedule is in disorder.
交通が混乱している。
Traffic is in chaos.
A strong, colloquial expression meaning something is a complete mess or in total disorder. Can be used for plans, situations, or physical mess.
計画がめちゃくちゃだ。
The plan is a total mess.
Means incoherent or disjointed, often used for speech, arguments, or logic that lacks order.
彼の説明は支離滅裂だ。
His explanation is completely incoherent.
Describing a machine, device, or body part that is not working properly.
The standard word for a machine or device being out of order or broken.
エアコンが故障している。
The air conditioner is out of order.
Means 'not in good condition' and can be used for machines or body parts that are not functioning well, though not necessarily completely broken.
パソコンの調子が悪い。
My computer is acting up.
お腹の調子が悪い。
My stomach is upset.
A slightly more formal term for being in poor condition, used for machines, health, or performance.
エンジンが不調だ。
The engine is not running well.
Describing a state of disturbance or lack of public order, such as riots or chaos in society.
Describes a noisy, turbulent, or agitated state, often for crowds or public places.
街は騒然としている。
The streets are in turmoil.
Literally 'a state of disorder/lawlessness'. Used for situations lacking order or control.
国は無秩序状態だ。
The country is in a state of disorder.
Means 'fallen into confusion/chaos', often used for organizations, societies, or events.
会議は混乱に陥っている。
The meeting has descended into disorder.
散らかっている is for general messiness/clutter (rooms, desks). 乱れている implies a disruption of an orderly arrangement (hair, formation, rhythm).
部屋が散らかっている。
The room is messy.
髪が乱れている。
Hair is disheveled.
乱れる is not used for mechanical breakdowns. Use 故障している or 調子が悪い instead.
エアコンが故障している。
The AC is broken.