Translation guide
The English word 'ragged' describes something that is torn, worn, or uneven. This guide covers how to express these ideas naturally in Japanese, from describing clothes and edges to feeling tired or rough.
Describing something that is torn, frayed, or in tatters, especially clothing or fabric.
An onomatopoeic word meaning 'tattered', 'worn out', or 'in rags'. Commonly used for clothes, shoes, or objects that are falling apart.
He was wearing ragged clothes.
This book is ragged.
Means 'worn out' or 'frayed' from friction. Often used for fabric that has become thin or torn at the edges.
I like ragged jeans.
A noun meaning 'rag' or 'tattered cloth'. Can be used attributively as ぼろの to mean 'ragged'.
He was dressed in rags.
Describing an edge or surface that is not smooth, often torn or jagged.
Describing a person who looks exhausted, haggard, or rough due to fatigue or hardship.
An onomatopoeic word meaning 'exhausted' or 'worn out'. Often used for people who are physically drained.
He was ragged with exhaustion.
Means 'haggard' or 'gaunt', often from illness or worry. Describes a ragged appearance.
Her ragged face worries me.
Describing a sound that is rough, grating, or not smooth.
Describing something that is uneven in quality, not smooth or consistent.
The English word 'ragged' covers many senses. Do not use a single Japanese word for all contexts. Choose based on what is ragged: clothes, edges, voice, etc.
道がでこぼこで歩きにくい。
The road is ragged and hard to walk on.
スピーカーからざらざらした音が出た。
A ragged sound came from the speaker.
売り上げがでこぼこだ。
Sales are ragged.