Translation guide
The English word 'rag' has several distinct meanings: a piece of old cloth, a low-quality newspaper, and a ragtime music piece. This guide covers how to express each in Japanese.
A torn or worn piece of cloth, often used for cleaning.
General word for rag, old cloth, or something worn out. Can also be used metaphorically for something shabby.
彼はぼろで車を拭いた。
He wiped the car with a rag.
A newspaper that is considered sensationalist or of poor quality.
Literally 'third-rate newspaper', a common way to dismiss a publication as low-quality or tabloid-like.
あんな三流新聞は読む価値がない。
That rag isn't worth reading.
A piece of music in ragtime style.
Those clothes are in rags.
Specifically a cleaning cloth or dustcloth, often made from old fabric.
雑巾で床を拭いてください。
Please wipe the floor with a rag.
A piece of cloth, not necessarily old or used for cleaning. More neutral than 'rag'.
布切れで包む。
Wrap it in a rag.
Means 'vulgar newspaper', emphasizing sensationalism and lack of taste.
彼は低俗新聞ばかり読んでいる。
He only reads rags.
Specifically a gossip paper or tabloid. Closer to 'tabloid' than 'rag', but can be used in similar contexts.
そのゴシップ紙は嘘ばかり書いている。
That rag is full of lies.
The loanword for ragtime music. 'Rag' as a short form is not common; use the full term.
彼はピアノでラグタイムを弾いた。
He played a rag on the piano.