しょぼい – The Shabby Word

しょぼい is a Japanese adjective that means shabby. Though these two words sound similar they are not of the same origin. Let’s take a closer look.

https://japaneseuniverse.com/2024/02/18/pac-man-in-japaneseconcepts-behind-development-to-global-icon/

しょぼい means shabby and…

しょぼい can also be translated as, dull, meager, poor, weak, and other similar words. It comes from the onomatopoeia word しょぼしょぼ which refers to things like dribbling rain, bleary eyes, or weakly movements.

• しょぼい顔かお – sullen face
• しょぼい服ふく – cheap clothes
• しょぼい本ほん – lackluster book
• しょぼい食事しょくじ – unsatisfying or disappointing meal

If you are interested in learning Japanese I have reviewed what I consider the best resource for Japanese Grammar below:

Resources

• しょぼい – Weblio