Translation guide
Describes something that is spread out, trailing behind, or not keeping up with a group. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various verbs, adjectives, and descriptive phrases depending on whether you're talking about people, objects, plants, or abstract things.
To describe someone or something that is moving more slowly than the rest and is left behind.
General verb meaning 'to be late' or 'to fall behind'. Commonly used for people who are straggling.
彼はいつも集団から遅れる。
He always straggles behind the group.
Idiomatic phrase meaning 'to fall behind' or 'to be outdistanced'. Slightly more formal.
他のランナーに遅れをとってしまった。
I fell behind the other runners.
Means 'to get separated from one's group' or 'to stray'. Implies losing contact with the group.
山道で友達からはぐれてしまった。
I got separated from my friends on the mountain trail.
To describe things that are not neatly arranged, but are scattered or extending irregularly.
Na-adjective meaning 'sparse', 'scattered', or 'straggling'. Used for things like hair, houses, or attendance.
彼のひげはまばらに生えている。
His beard is straggling.
Means 'disordered' or 'messy'. Can describe straggling hair or lines.
乱れた髪を整えた。
I fixed my straggling hair.
Past tense of 散らばる, meaning 'scattered about'. Suitable for objects spread out irregularly.
部屋におもちゃが散らばっている。
Toys are straggling around the room.
To describe plants that are spreading out in a messy, uncontrolled manner.
Phrase meaning 'overgrown' or 'left to grow wild'. Commonly used for straggling plants.
庭の草が伸び放題だ。
The garden weeds are straggling.
Verb meaning 'to spread thickly' or 'to overrun'. Often used for weeds or vines.
ツタが壁に蔓延っている。
Ivy is straggling over the wall.
To describe things that happen sporadically or not in a steady stream.
Same adjective as above, but used for events. Means 'sparse' or 'infrequent'.
まばらな拍手が聞こえた。
Straggling applause was heard.
Na-adjective meaning 'intermittent'. Suitable for straggling gunfire or rain.
断続的な銃声が続いた。
Straggling gunfire continued.