Translation guide
Describes a person or thing that looks messy, untidy, or not well cared for. The most common Japanese expressions focus on disheveled hair or clothing, but the word can also apply to rooms, gardens, or general appearance.
Describe a person whose hair, clothes, or overall look is messy and not neat.
General word for sloppy, untidy, or unkempt. Can describe appearance, behavior, or lifestyle.
彼はいつもだらしない格好をしている。
He always looks unkempt.
Onomatopoeic word for bushy, unkempt hair. Often used for bedhead or messy hair.
朝起きたら髪がぼさぼさだった。
When I woke up, my hair was all unkempt.
Means 'disordered' or 'disheveled'. Often used for hair or clothing that has become messy.
風で髪が乱れた。
My hair got unkempt from the wind.
Describes thick, curly, or unkempt hair, often with a slightly negative or humorous tone.
彼のひげはもじゃもじゃだ。
His beard is unkempt and bushy.
Describe a room, house, or garden that is messy and not well maintained.
Standard word for a messy or cluttered room. Implies things are out of place.
部屋が散らかっている。
The room is unkempt.
Suggests neglected, run-down, or overgrown. Often used for gardens or abandoned places.
庭が荒れている。
The garden is unkempt.
Formal phrase meaning 'not well cared for'. Used for gardens, buildings, or appearance.
その庭は手入れが行き届いていない。
The garden is unkempt.
Describe clothes that are wrinkled, untucked, or generally messy.
Means wrinkled or crumpled. Often used for unkempt clothing.
シャツがしわくちゃだ。
Your shirt is unkempt and wrinkled.
Describes clothes that are worn out, shapeless, and messy.
だらしない is for people and their habits (unkempt appearance, sloppy behavior). 散らかった is for physical spaces (messy room). Don't use 散らかった for a person.
彼はだらしない。
He is unkempt (sloppy).
部屋が散らかっている。
The room is unkempt (messy).
よれよれのスーツを着ている。
He's wearing an unkempt suit.