Translation guide
Describes clothing that is old, damaged, or shabby from long use. Japanese has several words that capture different nuances of 'worn-out', from threadbare to tattered.
Clothes that are old and showing signs of wear, but not necessarily falling apart.
Literally 'old clothes'. Commonly used for second-hand or worn clothing. Neutral tone.
He always wears worn-out clothes.
Describes clothes that are tattered, ragged, or falling apart. Emphasizes visible damage.
Stop going out in worn-out clothes.
Implies clothes that are tired, limp, and have lost their shape from long use. Often used for everyday wear.
Let's throw away these worn-out clothes.
Clothes that have become thin and almost transparent from excessive wear or washing.
Specifically means 'frayed' or 'worn through' from friction. Often used for cuffs, collars, or knees.
Wearing threadbare clothes makes you look poor.
Literally 'clothes that have become thin'. A straightforward description.
This shirt has become thin from too much washing.
Clothes that are torn, ripped, or hanging in shreds.
Describing the state of being worn-out as an attribute.
古着 (ふるぎ) simply means old or second-hand clothes, without necessarily implying damage. ボロボロの服 means clothes that are visibly ragged or falling apart. Use 古着 for 'worn-out' in the sense of 'well-used', and ボロボロ for 'tattered'.
These old clothes are still clean.
These ragged clothes can't be worn anymore.