Translation guide
Describes clothing that is old, torn, and in poor condition. Japanese has several vivid expressions, from neutral descriptions to dramatic, literary terms.
Describe clothes that are old, torn, and shabby.
A common, neutral way to say clothes are tattered and falling apart. 'ぼろぼろ' is an onomatopoeic word for something worn out or crumbling.
彼はぼろぼろの服を着ていた。
He was wearing tattered clothes.
Same as above but written in katakana for emphasis or stylistic effect.
Use a more dramatic or literary term for tattered clothes, often implying extreme poverty or destitution.
A literary/formal word for rags or tattered clothes. Often used in written descriptions or historical contexts.
そのボロボロの服はもう着られない。
Those tattered clothes can't be worn anymore.
A shorter, more casual compound noun meaning 'rags' or 'tattered clothes'.
彼はいつもぼろ服を着ている。
He always wears tattered clothes.
Emphasizes clothes covered in patches, implying they are old and mended many times.
そのつぎはぎだらけの服は彼の貧しさを物語っていた。
Those patched-up clothes told of his poverty.
彼は襤褸をまとっていた。
He was clad in rags.
Literally 'rags' or 'scraps of cloth', can refer to tattered clothes in a derogatory or pitiful sense.
そんなぼろ切れみたいな服、捨てなよ。
Throw away those rags!