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.
Those clothes are in rags.
Specifically a cleaning cloth or dustcloth, often made from old fabric.
Please wipe the floor with a rag.
A piece of cloth, not necessarily old or used for cleaning. More neutral than 'rag'.
Wrap it in 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.
That rag isn't worth reading.
Means 'vulgar newspaper', emphasizing sensationalism and lack of taste.
He only reads rags.
Specifically a gossip paper or tabloid. Closer to 'tabloid' than 'rag', but can be used in similar contexts.
That rag is full of lies.
A piece of music in ragtime style.
This rag is difficult.