Translation guide
Describes something worn, torn, or in poor condition, especially fabric, paper, or clothing. Japanese uses different words depending on whether the focus is on ragged edges, general shabbiness, or being worn out from use.
Describing something with many tears, frayed edges, or hanging in shreds.
An onomatopoeic word for something that is torn, tattered, or falling apart. Often used for clothes, paper, or objects that are in shreds.
彼はぼろぼろの服を着ていた。
He was wearing tattered clothes.
その本はぼろぼろで、ページが破れていた。
The book was tattered, with torn pages.
Literally 'worn through by rubbing.' Describes fabric or material that has become thin and torn from friction or long use. Focuses on the worn-out aspect.
擦り切れたジーンズをはいていた。
He was wearing tattered jeans.
Means 'torn to pieces' or 'in shreds.' Stronger than ぼろぼろ, often used for something violently ripped apart.
ずたずたに引き裂かれた旗。
A flag torn to tatters.
Describing something that looks old, neglected, and in poor condition, not necessarily torn but clearly deteriorated.
An adjective meaning shabby, seedy, or run-down. Often used for clothing, appearance, or buildings.
みすぼらしいコートを着た老人。
An old man in a tattered coat.
その家はみすぼらしく見えた。
The house looked tattered and run-down.
Same as ぼろぼろ above, but can also describe general shabbiness. Often written in katakana for emphasis.
A colloquial noun meaning something dilapidated or falling apart, like a junk car or a wreck. Often used for vehicles or machines.
Focusing on the frayed, unraveling edges of cloth or paper.
ぼろぼろ focuses on physical damage like tears and holes, while みすぼらしい describes an overall shabby or poor appearance. A ぼろぼろの服 is full of holes; a みすぼらしい服 may just look old and cheap.
ぼろぼろのTシャツ
a tattered T-shirt (full of holes)
みすぼらしいTシャツ
a shabby T-shirt (worn-out, faded)
There is no single Japanese word that covers all uses of 'tattered.' Choose based on whether you mean torn (ぼろぼろ), frayed (ほつれた), or generally shabby (みすぼらしい). Using the wrong one can change the nuance significantly.
ボロボロのアパートに住んでいる。
He lives in a tattered apartment.
おんぼろ車に乗っている。
He drives a tattered old car.