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.
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.
This shirt has become thin from too much washing.
Even worn-out clothes can still be worn.