Translation guide
Describes something that has become damaged, thin, or unusable from repeated use, or a person who is extremely tired. Japanese uses different words for objects vs. people, and for different degrees of wear.
Describe an item of clothing or fabric that is threadbare, frayed, or has holes from long use.
A common onomatopoeic word meaning tattered, worn-out, or falling apart. Used for clothes, shoes, books, etc. that are in very poor condition.
These shoes are completely worn-out.
Literally 'worn through by rubbing'. Describes fabric that has become thin or developed holes from friction. Often used for cuffs, knees, or soles.
the worn-out cuffs of a shirt
Means worn-out, shabby, or tired-looking. Often used for clothes that have lost their shape or freshness. Can also mean 'tired' for people (see next meaning).
He's wearing a worn-out suit.
Literally 'used until old'. Describes something that has been used for a long time and shows it. More neutral than ボロボロ; implies age and use rather than damage.
It's a worn-out bag, but I can still use it.
Describe a tool, machine, or object that is worn down, broken, or not working properly due to age and use.
Describe a person who is physically or mentally drained, often from overwork or stress.
Onomatopoeic word meaning exhausted, worn-out. Very common in casual speech. Often used with 疲れた (tired).
Describe a state of mental fatigue, burnout, or emotional exhaustion.
Means completely exhausted, often mentally. Similar to 疲れ果てた but can emphasize the process of becoming worn-out.
ボロボロ is for objects that are physically falling apart. くたくた is for people who are exhausted. Using ボロボロ for a person would mean they are emotionally shattered or in tatters, not just tired.
He was emotionally worn-out/devastated after the divorce.
使い古した means 'used until old' and is only for objects. Using it for a person would be very rude, implying they are 'used up'.
He's wearing worn-out jeans.
Also used for objects that are falling apart, such as furniture, books, or machines. Emphasizes a state of disrepair.
He drives a worn-out car.
An idiomatic phrase meaning 'is getting worn-out' or 'is showing its age'. Used for machines, vehicles, or even one's body. Literally 'the looseness is coming'.
This computer is pretty worn-out too.
Technical term for 'worn out' due to abrasion or friction. Used for mechanical parts, tires, etc. Not for clothes or people.
Worn-out tires are dangerous.
I walked all day today and I'm completely worn-out.
Similar to くたくた, meaning dead tired, worn-out. Often implies physical exhaustion after exertion.
I'm worn-out from all the overtime.
Literally 'completely tired out'. A stronger, more formal expression for being exhausted. Can be used in writing.
He had a worn-out look on his face.
As mentioned, can also mean tired or worn-out for people. Slightly old-fashioned or dialectal in some regions, but still used.
Ah, I'm worn-out.
I'm worn-out from the long meeting.
Means 'mentally worn-out' or 'feeling beaten down'. 参る is a humble verb for 'to be defeated' or 'to be exhausted'.
Lately, I've been mentally worn-out from work.