Translation guide
Describes something worn, faded, or in poor condition; also used for behavior that is unfair or mean-spirited. Japanese has distinct words for physical shabbiness versus moral shabbiness.
Describe something that looks old, used, or poorly maintained.
Describes something tattered, worn out, or falling apart. Often used for clothes, books, or objects.
He was wearing a shabby jacket.
Means shabby, shoddy, or seedy in appearance. Can refer to clothes, buildings, or a person's overall look.
The store had a shabby appearance.
Literally 'old-looking', implies something has aged and shows wear, but not necessarily falling apart.
I live in a shabby apartment.
Means worn-out, tired-looking. Often used for clothes or fabric that have lost their shape or color.
He went to the interview in a shabby suit.
Criticize someone's actions as petty, unkind, or dishonorable.
Means mean, sneaky, or despicable. Strongly negative, used for actions that are morally low.
I was angry at his shabby behavior.
Means shameful, disgraceful, or unbecoming. Can describe behavior that is shabby in the sense of being beneath someone.
Slang for petty, stingy, or small-minded. Often used for shabby treatment involving money or effort.
Means stingy or miserly. Can imply shabby treatment due to unwillingness to spend.
They make you work for a shabby wage.
Describe something that is cheaply made or not durable.
ぼろぼろ emphasizes physical damage like tears or fraying, while みすぼらしい focuses on a generally poor or seedy appearance. Use ぼろぼろ for objects falling apart, and みすぼらしい for a shabby overall look.
みすぼらしい can be rude if used to describe a person. It's safer to describe their clothes or appearance instead.
He is wearing shabby clothes.
Stop making such shabby excuses.
He makes money in a shabby way.