noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no', na-adjective
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.
この本はぼろぼろで、ページが取れそうだ。
This book is so tattered that the pages are about to fall out.
長年使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.
パンが乾燥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.
彼女はぼろぼろと涙をこぼした。
She shed tears in big drops.
壁の塗装がぼろぼろと剥がれ落ちている。
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.
残業続きで体がぼろぼろだ。
I'm physically worn-out from continuous overtime.
心がぼろぼろになるまで頑張った。
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.
不正がぼろぼろと出てきた。
Instances of fraud came to light one after another.
秘密がぼろぼろと明らかになった。
Secrets were revealed one after another.