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.
worn-out clothes
I'm worn-out (tired)
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.
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.
Describe a state of mental fatigue, burnout, or emotional exhaustion.
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.
He's wearing worn-out jeans.
It's a worn-out bag, but I can still use it.
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.
Onomatopoeic word meaning exhausted, worn-out. Very common in casual speech. Often used with 疲れた (tired).
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.
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'.