Translation guide
The English phrase "wear out" has two main meanings: (1) to make something unusable through long or heavy use, and (2) to exhaust someone physically or mentally. Japanese uses different verbs for these meanings, and also distinguishes between transitive (wearing something out) and intransitive (becoming worn out) forms.
My shoes are worn out.
For objects worn down by friction.
I'm worn out from work.
For physical/mental exhaustion.
Expressing that an object has become damaged, thin, or non-functional due to prolonged use.
Transitive verb meaning to wear down or wear out by friction, such as shoe soles or tires. Often used for gradual abrasion.
I wore out the soles of my shoes.
Intransitive verb meaning to become worn down by friction. Used when the subject itself wears out.
The tires are worn out.
Transitive verb meaning to wear out through long use, often implying the item is old and shabby. Common for clothes, tools, etc.
These jeans are worn out and have holes.
Transitive verb specifically for wearing out clothes. Implies the clothing has been worn many times and looks old.
That sweater is worn out and faded.
Phrase meaning to become worn out, tattered, or in poor condition. Can be used for objects or even people (exhausted).
I read this book until it was worn out.
Technical term for mechanical wear and tear, abrasion. Used in engineering contexts.
The parts have worn out and need replacing.
Expressing that a person is extremely tired, either physically or mentally, often due to activity or stress.
Intransitive verb meaning to be completely exhausted, worn out. Emphasizes the result of becoming extremely tired.
I walked all day and am worn out.
Common colloquial phrase meaning to be worn out, exhausted, often physically. Conveys a sense of limpness.
I'm worn out from overtime work.
Colloquial phrase meaning to be dead tired, worn out. Often used after physical exertion.
I'm worn out from climbing the mountain.
Verb meaning to exhaust one's energy or resources. Can be used for physical or mental fatigue, slightly formal.
Formal compound meaning extreme fatigue, utter exhaustion. Used in serious or medical contexts.
When you wear something out (transitive), use 擦り減らす (すりへらす) or 使い古す (つかいふるす). When something becomes worn out by itself (intransitive), use 擦り減る (すりへる) or ぼろぼろになる. The intransitive is often more natural in Japanese unless you need to emphasize the agent.
The child wore out his shoes. (transitive)
The shoes wore out. (intransitive)
The verb 着る means 'to wear' (clothes on upper body). To say clothes are worn out, use 着古す (きふるす) or ぼろぼろになる. Saying 着るだけでは 'wear out' の意味にならない。
I've worn out these sneakers.
履き古す is for footwear.
The constant noise wore me out.
I'm worn out from mental stress.
He is worn out from overwork.