へろへろ

へろへろ
adverb, na-adjective
exhausted, worn out, wobbly
informalhealthonomatopoeia
1. exhausted, worn out, drained
Describes a state of extreme tiredness where one can barely function.
仕事(しごと)でへろへろだ。
I'm exhausted from work.
マラソンを走(はし)ってへろへろになった。
I was completely wiped out after running the marathon.
残業(ざんぎょう)続(つづ)きでへろへろの状態(じょうたい)だ。
I'm worn out from continuous overtime.
2. wobbly, unsteady, weak
Describes something or someone that is weak, floppy, or lacking firmness.
足(あし)がへろへろで歩(ある)けない。
My legs are so wobbly I can't walk.
暑(あつ)さで野菜(やさい)がへろへろになった。
The vegetables went all limp from the heat.
酔(よ)っ払(ぱら)ってへろへろで帰(かえ)ってきた。
They came home drunk and wobbly.

へろへろ is an expressive mimetic word (onomatopoeia) that vividly conveys a state of complete exhaustion or weakness.

The sound evokes something floppy and lacking energy. It's often used:

  • After intense physical activity
  • After long work hours
  • When drunk and unsteady
  • For wilted vegetables or limp objects

Similar expressions

general
Added 2026.2.1 17:21 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
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