Translation guide
The English word 'run-down' can be an adjective meaning tired, dilapidated, or a noun meaning a summary. This guide covers the most common ways to express these concepts in Japanese.
Describing a person who is physically or mentally worn out.
The most common and neutral way to say 'tired'. Can be used in most situations.
最近、すごく疲れている。
I've been really run-down lately.
An onomatopoeic word meaning 'exhausted' or 'worn out'. More emphatic and casual than 疲れている.
一日中歩いて、もうくたくただ。
I walked all day and I'm completely run-down.
Similar to くたくた, meaning 'exhausted' or 'dead tired'. Often used after physical exertion.
残業続きでへとへとです。
I'm run-down from all the overtime.
Means 'exhausted' or 'drained', often implying mental or emotional fatigue. More formal.
彼は仕事で消耗しているようだ。
He seems run-down from work.
Describing a building, machine, or object that is in a state of disrepair.
An onomatopoeic word meaning 'worn-out', 'tattered', or 'dilapidated'. Commonly used for objects and buildings.
あのアパートはぼろぼろだ。
That apartment is run-down.
Means 'deteriorated due to age'. Often used for infrastructure or buildings. More formal.
老朽化した建物が多い。
There are many run-down buildings.
Means 'desolate' or 'dilapidated', often implying neglect. Stronger and more literary.
荒れ果てた家を見つけた。
I found a run-down house.
A concise explanation or overview of something.
The standard word for 'summary' or 'outline'. Suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
プロジェクトの概要を説明してください。
Please give me a run-down of the project.
Means 'summary' or 'wrap-up'. Often used in casual conversation or presentations.
Means 'summary' or 'digest', often used for written summaries of texts. More formal.
I'll send you a run-down of the meeting.
報告書の要約を読んだ。
I read a run-down of the report.