Translation guide
Describes a person, appearance, or behavior that is untidy, careless, or lacking neatness. Japanese expressions range from general messiness to specific words for sloppy dressing or lazy habits.
To describe someone or something as generally untidy, messy, or not well-groomed.
The most common and versatile word for 'slovenly'. Covers untidy appearance, messy habits, and lack of discipline. Can describe a person, their room, or their lifestyle.
He always looks slovenly.
My room is so messy I can't invite anyone over.
Synonym of だらしない, slightly more emphatic. Often used to criticize someone's character or habits.
If you lead a slovenly lifestyle, you'll ruin your health.
Verb meaning to be lazy, slouchy, or slovenly in behavior. Often used for lounging around without purpose.
On my days off, I end up lazing around all day.
To describe someone who does things in a careless, slipshod manner, lacking attention to detail.
Means sloppy, careless, or slipshod, especially in work, management, or planning. Often used in formal or business contexts.
His work is always slovenly.
Sloppy management caused the problem.
Means irresponsible, half-hearted, or sloppy. Implies a lack of proper effort or commitment.
Don't do slovenly work.
To specifically describe someone whose clothing or grooming is messy, unkempt, or slovenly.
Again, the go-to word. When used about appearance, it means slovenly dressed, unkempt.
Are you going to the interview in such slovenly clothes?
Describes loose, baggy, or slouchy clothing that looks slovenly. Often used for ill-fitting attire.
Stop going out in slovenly sweats.
To describe language that is careless, sloppy, or full of mistakes.
だらしない is about personal untidiness or lack of discipline in daily life. ずさんな is about sloppiness in tasks, systems, or professional work. Use だらしない for a messy room or sloppy dress; use ずさんな for careless accounting or planning.
He's slovenly in appearance, but his work isn't sloppy.
There is no single Japanese word that perfectly matches all uses of 'slovenly'. Choose based on context: だらしない for personal messiness, ずさんな for careless work, みすぼらしい for shabby appearance.
Means shabby, seedy, or unkempt in appearance. Often implies poverty or neglect, but can just mean slovenly.
He showed up looking slovenly.