Translation guide
The English word "loose" covers a wide range of meanings, from physical fit to abstract freedom. This guide breaks down the most common uses and their natural Japanese equivalents, organized by the intended meaning.
Describing clothing, shoes, or accessories that are not tight or snug.
The most common and general word for 'loose' in the sense of not tight. Can be used for clothes, knots, screws, etc.
このズボンはちょっとゆるい。
These pants are a little loose.
靴ひもがゆるい。
The shoelaces are loose.
Onomatopoeic word meaning 'baggy' or 'oversized', often used for clothes that are too big and loose.
そのジャケットはぶかぶかだ。
That jacket is loose/baggy.
Similar to ぶかぶか, but often implies something is loose and flapping, like pants that are too wide.
このシャツはだぶだぶで似合わない。
This shirt is too loose and doesn't look good on me.
Describing something that is not securely fastened, like a screw, tooth, or handle.
Again, the most common word. Works for screws, bolts, knots, etc.
ネジがゆるんでいる。
The screw is loose.
歯がゆるい感じがする。
My tooth feels loose.
Onomatopoeic word for something wobbly or shaky, like a loose tooth or a loose table leg.
Describing something that is not rigidly enforced or precisely defined.
Means 'vague' or 'ambiguous'. Used when rules or definitions are not strict.
その規則はあいまいだ。
The rule is loose/vague.
Can also mean 'lenient' or 'not strict' for rules, regulations, or discipline.
Means 'rough' or 'approximate', often used for estimates or plans that are not detailed.
Describing someone or something that is not tied up, caged, or restrained.
Specifically for animals that are free-range or not caged. Literally 'let loose and keep'.
犬を放し飼いにしている。
I let my dog run loose.
To set free or let loose. More general than 放し飼い.
鳥を自由にしてやった。
I set the bird loose.
To let escape or release, often intentionally.
Describing a substance that is not tightly packed or solid.
Past tense of ほぐれる, meaning 'to become loose' or 'untangled'. Often used for hair, threads, or soil.
髪がほぐれてきた。
My hair has come loose.
Onomatopoeic word for something light and fluffy, like loose soil or a soft pillow.
この土はふわふわだ。
This soil is loose and fluffy.
Onomatopoeic word for something dry and loose, like sand or powder.
Describing a medical condition of loose stools.
The standard medical/formal term for diarrhea.
下痢が続いている。
I have had loose bowels for a while.
A softer, more everyday expression meaning 'have loose bowels'.
今日はお腹がゆるい。
I have loose bowels today.
Referring to coins of low value.
The standard word for 'small change' or 'loose change'.
小銭を持っていますか？
Do you have any loose change?
Describing a translation that conveys the meaning freely rather than word-for-word.
The English word 'loose' maps to many different Japanese words depending on context. Using ゆるい for everything can sound unnatural. For example, 'loose change' is never ゆるいお金, but 小銭. Always consider the specific meaning you want to convey.
ゆるい is a general adjective for 'loose'. ぶかぶか and だぶだぶ are onomatopoeic words that specifically describe clothes that are too big and baggy. Use ゆるい for a slightly loose fit, and ぶかぶか/だぶだぶ when something is clearly oversized.
その机の脚がぐらぐらしている。
The leg of that desk is loose/wobbly.
This school has loose school rules.
大ざっぱな計画しかない。
We only have a loose plan.
I let the bug I caught loose.
砂がさらさらだ。
The sand is loose and dry.