みすぼらしい
misuborashii
The Japanese word for scruffy is みすぼらしい (misuborashii).
みすぼらしい is an adjective used to describe an appearance that is untidy.
Meaning: untidy in appearance (adj)
Which one should you use?
While みすぼらしい implies a sense of being shabby or looking poor, だらしない is used more specifically for a person's lack of discipline or neatness in habits and appearance.
How does it change in a sentence?
To turn the adjective みすぼらしい into an adverb, change the final -i to -ku to get みすぼらしく.
How do you pronounce it?
misuborashii
Did you know?
- While みすぼらしい describes a scruffy look, Japanese culture often uses the concept of wabi-sabi to find beauty in things that are weathered, old and imperfect.
- To express a 'scruffy' or unkempt look specifically regarding hair, Japanese people often use the word ぼさぼさ.
- The word だらしない can describe a scruffy person but it is also used to describe someone who is 'loose' with their time or promises.
Examples in context
- その男性はみすぼらしい服装をしている。The man is dressed scruffily.
- 彼女の部屋はめちゃくちゃで服もだらしない。Her room is a mess, and her clothes are scruffy.
- 彼はぼろぼろのジーンズを穿いている。He's wearing scruffy jeans.
- 彼の髪はいつもぼさぼさだ。His hair is always scruffy.
- みすぼらしい服を着ている。misuborashii fuku o kite iru.He is wearing scruffy clothes.
- あの店はみすぼらしい外観だ。ano mise wa misuborashii gaikan da.That shop has a scruffy appearance.
Example conversation
Yui and Ren are getting ready for a party.
- 結衣 Yui蓮、その格好じゃみすぼらしいよ。Ren, sono kakkō ja misuborashii yo.Ren, you look scruffy in those clothes.
- 蓮 Renえっ、本当？大丈夫だと思ったのに。E, hontō? Daijōbu da to omotta noni.What, really? I thought I looked fine.
- 結衣 Yuiもっときれいな服に着替えて。Motto kireina fuku ni kigaete.Change into some nicer clothes.
- 蓮 Renわかった。すぐに着替えるね。Wakatta. Sugu ni kigaeru ne.Got it. I'll change right away.
