Translation guide
In Japanese, the way you say 'old clothes' depends on whether you mean clothes you've owned for a long time, secondhand items, worn-out garments, or old-fashioned styles. Each nuance uses a different word or phrase.
Referring to garments that have been in your possession for a while, regardless of condition.
Literally 'old clothes'. This is the most common and neutral term for clothes that are old or have been worn before. It can also mean secondhand clothes, but context usually clarifies.
この古着はまだ着られます。
These old clothes can still be worn.
古着を整理して寄付しました。
I sorted out my old clothes and donated them.
Means 'clothes from the past'. Emphasizes that the clothes are from an earlier time in your life, often with a nostalgic nuance.
昔の服を着てみたら、小さすぎました。
When I tried on my old clothes, they were too small.
Clothes that were previously owned by someone else, typically bought at a thrift store or received as hand-me-downs.
Also the standard term for secondhand clothing. In a shopping context, it clearly means used clothes.
古着屋でいいジャケットを見つけました。
I found a nice jacket at the secondhand clothing store.
Literally 'secondhand clothes'. More formal or technical than 古着, often used in online listings or when emphasizing the used condition.
中古の服をネットで買うときは、状態をよく確認してください。
When buying used clothes online, please check the condition carefully.
Specifically refers to hand-me-downs, usually from older siblings or relatives. Carries a familial, informal nuance.
Clothes that are old and in poor condition, often with holes, fading, or stretching.
Describes clothes that are tattered, ragged, or falling apart. Very common in casual speech.
ボロボロの服を着て出かけるのはやめたほうがいいよ。
You shouldn't go out wearing worn-out clothes.
Means 'tired clothes', implying they are worn out from long use. Slightly less strong than ボロボロ.
くたびれた服だけど、家で着るには十分です。
They're worn-out clothes, but they're fine for wearing at home.
Literally 'used-up clothes'. Emphasizes that the clothes have been used extensively and are now old.
使い古した服を雑巾にしました。
I turned my worn-out clothes into rags.
Clothes that are no longer in style, from a past era.
Means 'outdated clothes'. Neutral and widely understood.
その時代遅れの服、まだ持ってるの？
You still have those old-fashioned clothes?
Slang for 'uncool clothes'. Implies the clothes are not only old but also unstylish. Very casual.
あのダサい服、どうにかならない？
Can't you do something about those lame clothes?
Means 'old-style clothes'. Can be neutral or slightly positive, like vintage style.
彼女は昔風の服を着るのが好きです。
She likes wearing old-style clothes.
The direct translation '古い服' (furui fuku) is grammatically correct but sounds unnatural to native speakers. It is rarely used; instead, use 古着 or other context-appropriate terms.
古着 is the everyday word for secondhand clothes and is used in shop names like 古着屋. 中古の服 is more formal and often used in written descriptions or online sales. In casual conversation, 古着 is preferred.
古着を処分しないと。
I need to get rid of my old clothes.
彼女はいつも古着を着ている。
She always wears old clothes.
I'm wearing my older brother's hand-me-downs.