Translation guide
The English phrase "wearing out" can refer to physical deterioration from use, mental or physical exhaustion, or the act of causing something to become worn. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
To describe objects, materials, or equipment that deteriorate over time due to friction, use, or age.
Intransitive verb meaning to wear out or become threadbare from rubbing or friction. Commonly used for fabric, clothes, or surfaces.
The collar of this shirt is wearing out.
Intransitive verb meaning to wear down or become worn by abrasion. Often used for soles of shoes, tires, or tools.
The soles of my shoes are wearing out.
Technical term for mechanical wear and tear. Used in engineering or formal contexts.
The parts are wearing out.
Colloquial intransitive verb for clothes or objects becoming shabby or worn out from long use.
This jacket is getting pretty worn out.
To describe the action of wearing something out through use.
Transitive verb meaning to wear something out by rubbing or friction. Less common than the intransitive form but precise.
He wore out the knees of his jeans.
Transitive verb meaning to wear something down by abrasion. Used for soles, tires, etc.
To use something until it becomes old and worn. Implies long-term use.
To describe a person feeling extremely tired or drained.
To be completely exhausted, physically or mentally. Stronger than just 疲れる.
I'm worn out from working all day.
Na-adjective or adverb meaning exhausted, worn out. Very common in casual speech.
Na-adjective meaning dead tired, worn out. Often used after physical exertion.
To be exhausted or drained, often used for mental or emotional energy. Slightly formal.
To stay too long as a guest, becoming a burden.
擦り切れる is used for fabric or thin materials that become threadbare or tear from rubbing. 擦り減る is used for solid objects that gradually lose material, like shoe soles or tires.
Do not use 擦り切れる or 摩耗する for human exhaustion. Those are for objects. Use 疲れ果てる, くたくた, etc.
I've worn out the soles of my shoes.
I've already worn out this bag.
もうくたくただ。
I'm worn out.
山登りでへとへとになった。
I'm worn out from climbing the mountain.
I'm mentally worn out from stress.
Sorry to have imposed. I'll be going now (before I wear out my welcome).