Translation guide
Describes something of poor quality, poorly made, or done carelessly. Japanese uses different words depending on whether you mean workmanship, materials, a plan, or a person's attitude.
To say that a physical item is badly constructed, uses cheap materials, or is generally of inferior quality.
A common adjective meaning crude, shoddy, or cheap. Often implies poor materials or careless construction. Used for objects, meals, accommodations, etc.
This desk is shoddily made.
Furniture made with shoddy materials.
Colloquial adjective meaning flimsy, cheap, or shoddy. Often used for toys, gadgets, or anything that feels like it will break easily.
This toy was shoddy and broke right away.
Means cheap-looking or tacky. Focuses on the appearance of low quality, not necessarily the actual durability.
That bag looks shoddy/cheap.
Formal term for inferior or shoddy quality, often used in product reviews or official complaints.
Shoddy products are circulating in the market.
To describe work that is done hastily, without proper care, resulting in poor quality.
Means half-hearted, sloppy, or irresponsible. Commonly used for work or attitude.
His work is always shoddy.
It broke again because of a shoddy repair.
Literally 'cutting corners'. Describes work where steps were skipped, resulting in shoddy quality.
Means sloppy, careless, or slipshod. Often used for management, accounting, or planning.
Shoddy management is the problem.
To say that an idea, excuse, or reasoning is weak, unconvincing, or poorly constructed.
粗末な focuses on crude construction or poor materials. ちゃちな is colloquial and emphasizes flimsiness. 安っぽい is about looking cheap, not necessarily about function.
粗末な is for objects or treatment, not for describing a person's character. To say someone is shoddy in their work, use いい加減な or ずさんな.
The accident was caused by shoddy construction work.