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.
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.
靴の底を擦り減らした。
I wore out the soles of my shoes.
Intransitive verb meaning to become worn down by friction. Used when the subject itself wears out.
タイヤが擦り減っている。
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.
このジーンズは使い古して穴が開いた。
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.
そのセーターは着古して色があせた。
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).
この本はぼろぼろになるまで読んだ。
I read this book until it was worn out.
Technical term for mechanical wear and tear, abrasion. Used in engineering contexts.
部品が摩耗して交換が必要だ。
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.
一日中歩いて疲れ果てた。
I walked all day and am worn out.
Common colloquial phrase meaning to be worn out, exhausted, often physically. Conveys a sense of limpness.
残業でくたくただ。
I'm worn out from overtime work.
Colloquial phrase meaning to be dead tired, worn out. Often used after physical exertion.
山登りでへとへとになった。
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.
精神的なストレスで消耗している。
I'm worn out from mental stress.
Formal compound meaning extreme fatigue, utter exhaustion. Used in serious or medical contexts.
彼は過労で疲労困憊している。
He is worn out from overwork.
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.
子供が靴を擦り減らした。
The child wore out his shoes. (transitive)
靴が擦り減った。
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。
絶え間ない騒音で疲れ果てた。
The constant noise wore me out.