ぼろぼろ

noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no', na-adjective

worn-out; tattered; ragged

Describes objects, especially fabric or paper, that are falling apart or in very poor condition. Often used with なる or as a な-adjective.

• この本ほんはぼろぼろで、ページが取とれそうだ。

  This book is so tattered that the pages are about to fall out.

• 長なが年ねん使つかったソファがぼろぼろになった。

  The sofa we used for years became worn-out.

adverb, adverb taking the 'to' particle, na-adjective, noun or participle which takes 'suru'

crumbling; dry and crumbly

Describes something dry that breaks into small pieces easily, like overcooked food or old soil. Often used adverbially with なる or する.

• パンが乾かん燥そうしてぼろぼろになった。

  The bread dried out and became crumbly.

• クッキーをぼろぼろこぼしながら食たべた。

  I ate the cookie while dropping crumbs everywhere.

adverb, adverb taking the 'to' particle

falling in drops or clumps; scattering

Describes things falling or scattering in a messy, continuous way, like tears, leaves, or plaster. Often used with 落ちる, こぼれる, or 泣く.

• 彼かの女じょはぼろぼろと涙なみだをこぼした。

  She shed tears in big drops.

• 壁かべの塗と装そうがぼろぼろと剥はがれ落おちている。

  The paint on the wall is peeling off in flakes.

na-adjective

exhausted; worn-out (physically or mentally)

Describes a person who is completely drained, either physically or emotionally. Often used with なる or as a な-adjective.

• 残ざん業ぎょう続つづきで体からだがぼろぼろだ。

  I'm physically worn-out from continuous overtime.

• 心こころがぼろぼろになるまで頑がん張ばった。

  I worked hard until I was mentally exhausted.

adverb, adverb taking the 'to' particle

one after another; in succession

Describes things, especially negative or surprising things, coming to light or happening repeatedly. Often used with 出てくる, 見つかる, or similar verbs.

• 不ふ正せいがぼろぼろと出でてきた。

  Instances of fraud came to light one after another.

• 秘ひ密みつがぼろぼろと明あきらかになった。

  Secrets were revealed one after another.