Translation guide
Describes a person, appearance, or behavior that is untidy, careless, or lacking neatness. Japanese expressions range from general messiness to specific words for sloppy dressing or lazy habits.
To describe someone or something as generally untidy, messy, or not well-groomed.
The most common and versatile word for 'slovenly'. Covers untidy appearance, messy habits, and lack of discipline. Can describe a person, their room, or their lifestyle.
彼はいつもだらしない格好をしている。
He always looks slovenly.
部屋がだらしなくて、人を呼べない。
My room is so messy I can't invite anyone over.
Synonym of だらしない, slightly more emphatic. Often used to criticize someone's character or habits.
だらしのない生活を送っていると、健康を害するよ。
If you lead a slovenly lifestyle, you'll ruin your health.
Verb meaning to be lazy, slouchy, or slovenly in behavior. Often used for lounging around without purpose.
休日は一日中だらけてしまう。
On my days off, I end up lazing around all day.
To describe someone who does things in a careless, slipshod manner, lacking attention to detail.
Means sloppy, careless, or slipshod, especially in work, management, or planning. Often used in formal or business contexts.
彼の仕事はいつもずさんだ。
His work is always slovenly.
ずさんな管理が問題を引き起こした。
Sloppy management caused the problem.
Means irresponsible, half-hearted, or sloppy. Implies a lack of proper effort or commitment.
いい加減な仕事をするな。
Don't do slovenly work.
To specifically describe someone whose clothing or grooming is messy, unkempt, or slovenly.
Again, the go-to word. When used about appearance, it means slovenly dressed, unkempt.
そんなだらしない服装で面接に行くつもり？
Are you going to the interview in such slovenly clothes?
Describes loose, baggy, or slouchy clothing that looks slovenly. Often used for ill-fitting attire.
だらっとしたスウェットで出かけるのはやめて。
Stop going out in slovenly sweats.
To describe language that is careless, sloppy, or full of mistakes.
Can also modify speech or writing to mean sloppy, careless.
彼の日本語はだらしなくて、何を言っているのかわからない。
His Japanese is so slovenly I can't understand what he's saying.
Means rough, careless, or crude. Often used for sloppy handwriting or rough speech.
ぞんざいな字で書かれたメモ。
A note written in slovenly handwriting.
だらしない is about personal untidiness or lack of discipline in daily life. ずさんな is about sloppiness in tasks, systems, or professional work. Use だらしない for a messy room or sloppy dress; use ずさんな for careless accounting or planning.
彼はだらしないが、仕事はずさんではない。
He's slovenly in appearance, but his work isn't sloppy.
There is no single Japanese word that perfectly matches all uses of 'slovenly'. Choose based on context: だらしない for personal messiness, ずさんな for careless work, みすぼらしい for shabby appearance.
Means shabby, seedy, or unkempt in appearance. Often implies poverty or neglect, but can just mean slovenly.
彼はみすぼらしい身なりで現れた。
He showed up looking slovenly.