What Does “Boro Boro” Mean in Japanese? The Word for Falling Apart, Worn-Out, or in Shambles

When something is falling apart — whether it’s old clothes, your test scores, or even your heart — the Japanese onomatopoeia “Boro Boro” captures that crumbling, broken, or worn-out state perfectly.

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What is “Boro Boro”?

“Boro Boro” is a Japanese onomatopoeia used to describe something that’s falling apart, worn out, or emotionally devastated.

It can refer to physical things (like tattered clothes or crumbs) and also emotional or mental states (like someone crying uncontrollably or failing badly).

Pronunciation

boh-roh boh-roh

Categories

Condition / Texture / Emotion

Examples in Daily Life

Example 1: Crumbling Food

The cookie was so dry it turned to boro boro crumbs the moment I bit into it.

Example 2: Worn-Out Clothes

He wore boro boro jeans full of holes and frayed edges — they’d clearly seen better days.

Example 3: Crying in Tears

She was crying boro boro, with tears falling nonstop down her cheeks.

Example 4: A Terrible Test Result

“I was boro boro on that math test,” he sighed, looking at his score.

Cultural Note

Boro Boro” is a vivid expression used in everyday Japanese — not only for describing broken objects, but also for expressing emotional defeat or exhaustion.

It’s often used in manga and anime when a character is heartbroken, soaking wet, or completely worn out after a battle or breakdown.

How Do You Say It?

It looks fun on the page, but how does it sound?
Let’s say it together — press play and listen!

What Does “Boro Boro” Look Like?

Some words aren’t just sounds — they fall apart even in writing.
Let your eyes follow these crumbling letters: “Boro Boro.”

Watch & Feel the Boro Boro World!

To truly grasp the essence of boro boro, check out these moments in motion:

Cookie Crumble Close-Up

Watch as a dry cookie crumbles into boro boro bits — strangely satisfying!

Try Using It!

Next time you drop crumbs everywhere, see someone in ragged clothes, or feel like your brain is melting after a hard day…
Say “Boro Boro” — it’s the perfect word for things that just can’t hold it together anymore.

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Naoboo
Welcome to this site — a soft and cozy space just for you.
Here, Japanese onomatopoeic expressions are collected — each one like a tiny, sound-flavored candy, a little piece of the world shared gently and playfully.

I hope you’ll find a favorite or two to carry with you.
Thank you for visiting.

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