Translation guide
The English word "loose" covers a wide range of meanings, from physical fit to abstract freedom. This guide breaks down the most common uses and their natural Japanese equivalents, organized by the intended meaning.
Describing clothing, shoes, or accessories that are not tight or snug.
These pants are a little loose.
The shoelaces are loose.
Onomatopoeic word meaning 'baggy' or 'oversized', often used for clothes that are too big and loose.
That jacket is loose/baggy.
Similar to ぶかぶか, but often implies something is loose and flapping, like pants that are too wide.
This shirt is too loose and doesn't look good on me.
Describing something that is not securely fastened, like a screw, tooth, or handle.
Describing something that is not rigidly enforced or precisely defined.
Means 'vague' or 'ambiguous'. Used when rules or definitions are not strict.
The rule is loose/vague.
Can also mean 'lenient' or 'not strict' for rules, regulations, or discipline.
Means 'rough' or 'approximate', often used for estimates or plans that are not detailed.
Describing someone or something that is not tied up, caged, or restrained.
Specifically for animals that are free-range or not caged. Literally 'let loose and keep'.
I let my dog run loose.
To set free or let loose. More general than 放し飼い.
I set the bird loose.
To let escape or release, often intentionally.
Describing a substance that is not tightly packed or solid.
Past tense of ほぐれる, meaning 'to become loose' or 'untangled'. Often used for hair, threads, or soil.
My hair has come loose.
Onomatopoeic word for something light and fluffy, like loose soil or a soft pillow.
Onomatopoeic word for something dry and loose, like sand or powder.
Describing a medical condition of loose stools.
Referring to coins of low value.
The standard word for 'small change' or 'loose change'.
Do you have any loose change?
Describing a translation that conveys the meaning freely rather than word-for-word.
A 'free translation' or 'liberal translation', as opposed to a literal one.
This is a loose translation.
The English word 'loose' maps to many different Japanese words depending on context. Using ゆるい for everything can sound unnatural. For example, 'loose change' is never ゆるいお金, but 小銭. Always consider the specific meaning you want to convey.
ゆるい is a general adjective for 'loose'. ぶかぶか and だぶだぶ are onomatopoeic words that specifically describe clothes that are too big and baggy. Use ゆるい for a slightly loose fit, and ぶかぶか/だぶだぶ when something is clearly oversized.
その机の脚がぐらぐらしている。
The leg of that desk is loose/wobbly.
この学校は校則がゆるい。
This school has loose school rules.
We only have a loose plan.
捕まえた虫を逃がした。
I let the bug I caught loose.
この土はふわふわだ。
This soil is loose and fluffy.
砂がさらさらだ。
The sand is loose and dry.