ポンコツ
Meanings
piece of junk; worn-out thing
Refers to a broken-down, useless object, often a machine or vehicle. Colloquial and slightly derogatory.
This computer is a piece of junk now.
na-adjective, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
Describes a person or thing that is unreliable, incompetent, or not functioning properly. Often used in a self-deprecating or teasing way.
That player has been useless lately.
I'm really no good; I forget things right away.
dismantled car; scrapped vehicle
Specifically a car that has been taken apart for parts or scrap. A specialized use within the junk sense.
Let's take usable parts from this dismantled car.
Dated slang for a punch or hitting someone. Rarely used in modern Japanese.
Apparently old-time delinquents used to say things like 'give 'em a punch'.
Usage patterns
- 〈物〉がポンコツになるfor a thing (esp. a machine or vehicle) to become worn-out junk
This car has become a piece of junk now.
- 〈人〉はポンコツだto describe someone as useless or incompetent (often self-deprecating)
When it comes to operating machines, I'm hopeless.
- ポンコツ〈物〉a junky, broken-down [thing] (as a modifier before a noun)
He keeps driving his beat-up old car with care.