ぼろぼろ

ぼろぼろ
adverb
worn out; tattered; crumbling
1. worn out; tattered; falling apart
Describes something that is old and deteriorated, falling apart or in poor condition.
この(くつ)はぼろぼろになった。
These shoes have become worn out.
(ふる)(いえ)がぼろぼろで(あぶ)ない。
The old house is falling apart and dangerous.
何年(なんねん)使(つか)っている辞書(じしょ)がぼろぼろになってきた。
The dictionary I've been using for years is getting worn out.
2. crumbling; falling apart in pieces
Describes something breaking apart or crumbling into pieces.
クッキーがぼろぼろ(くず)れた。
The cookie crumbled into pieces.
(かわ)いた(つち)がぼろぼろと()ちた。
Dry soil crumbled and fell off.
(かべ)のペンキが(ふる)くなって、ぼろぼろと()がれてきた。
The paint on the wall got old and started peeling off in flakes.

ぼろぼろ is an onomatopoeic word (擬態{語()|ぎたいご}) describing deterioration or crumbling.

COMMON PATTERNS:

  • ぼろぼろになる: to become worn out/tattered
  • ぼろぼろの〜: worn-out, tattered (noun modifier)
  • ぼろぼろ()く: to cry one's eyes out (tears falling)

CAN ALSO DESCRIBE: Emotional exhaustion or crying heavily (tears falling in drops).