Japanese word

ほころびる

Pronunciation

Romajihokorobiru

Meaning

  • verbbecome frayed

Example

セーターの袖口がほころびました。sē tā no sode guchi ga ho ko ro bi ma shi ta

The cuff of the sweater became frayed.

Illustration for ほころびる (become frayed)

More examples

古いカーテンの縁がほころびています。furu i kā te n no en ga ho ko ro bi te i ma su

The edge of the old curtain is fraying.

Core concept

Describes fabric or stitching opening little by little as its threads loosen.

Common phrases

  • 縫い目がほころびるnu i me ga ho ko ro bi ru

    a seam comes apart

  • 布地がほころびるnuno ji ga ho ko ro bi ru

    fabric becomes frayed

Similar words

ほつれるhotsureru: Fabric or stitching comes loose as its threads separate, often leaving a small opening.
擦り切れるsurikireru: Fabric becomes thin or develops a hole after repeated rubbing or use.
破れるyabureru: Paper, cloth, or a similar material tears and develops a hole or split.

Definition in Japanese

布や縫い目が、糸が切れたり抜けたりして、少しずつ裂けた状態になる。nuno ya nu i me ga ito ga ki re ta ri nu ke ta ri shi te suko shi zu tsu sa ke ta jō tai ni na ru

Word origin

The native Japanese verb ほころびる (hokorobiru) is related to ほころぶ (hokorobu), meaning "to split open"; its fabric sense describes threads or seams opening.

Usage tips

  • The same Japanese verb ほころびる (hokorobiru) also describes a flower beginning to open, linking damaged fabric with the broader idea of something opening.

Other meanings

  • unravelverb
  • come apartverb

Related words

  • ほころびhokorobifraynoun

Word lists with this word