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.
この靴はもうボロボロだ。
These shoes are completely worn-out.
彼はボロボロのジーンズをはいている。
He's wearing worn-out jeans.
Literally 'worn through by rubbing'. Describes fabric that has become thin or developed holes from friction. Often used for cuffs, knees, or soles.
擦り切れたシャツの袖
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).
くたびれたスーツを着ている。
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.
使い古したバッグだけど、まだ使える。
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.
Also used for objects that are falling apart, such as furniture, books, or machines. Emphasizes a state of disrepair.
ボロボロの車に乗っている。
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'.
このパソコンもだいぶガタが来ている。
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.
摩耗したタイヤは危険です。
Worn-out tires are dangerous.
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).
今日は一日中歩いて、もうくたくただ。
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.
Literally 'completely tired out'. A stronger, more formal expression for being exhausted. Can be used in writing.
彼は疲れ果てた顔をしていた。
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.
ああ、くたびれた。
Ah, I'm worn-out.
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.
長時間の会議で疲れ切った。
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'.
最近、仕事で精神的に参っている。
Lately, I've been mentally worn-out from work.
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.
彼は離婚してボロボロになった。
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'.
残業続きでへとへとです。
I'm worn-out from all the overtime.