Entry
ヘトヘト
hetoheto
This word describes a state of extreme physical or mental fatigue where one's energy is completely drained.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
It refers to a condition where the body or mind is completely out of energy after intense physical activity, working overtime, or enduring heavy stress, leaving a person feeling limp and helpless.
- physical exhaustion
- mental exhaustion
Sense Map
Physical Exhaustion
A state of being out of energy after sports, hard work, or physical exertion.
ヘトヘトに疲れる。
Mental Exhaustion
A state of being completely drained due to stress, studying, or thinking too much.
頭を使ってヘトヘトだ。
Usage Note
How to Use
ヘトヘトになる
To become completely exhausted.
ヘトヘトだ
Expresses the current state of being dead tired.
ヘトヘトに疲れる
To be tired to the point of complete exhaustion.
ヘトヘトの + noun
Describes a noun (like a person) in a completely exhausted state.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ヘトヘトになるまで
until one is completely exhausted
歩き回ってヘトヘト
exhausted from walking around
ヘトヘトに疲れる
tired to the point of complete exhaustion
すっかりヘトヘトだ
completely and utterly exhausted
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| After heavy exercise | neutral | Very natural to use in this situation. |
| At work | casual | Mostly used in informal conversations; avoid using it with superiors. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
くたくた くたくた / similar | Used when the body or clothes lose their shape due to being overly tired or worn out. | Focuses on the body going limp like noodles or worn fabric, rather than just running out of energy. | くたくたに疲れた。 |
へろへろ へろへろ / similar | Used when the body is weak, powerless, and unsteady when walking. | Places more emphasis on being unstable, wobbly, or losing muscle strength. | ヘロヘロになる。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it to express feeling sleepy.
Only use it for physical or mental exhaustion caused by activities, not just the need for sleep.
Using it for broken inanimate objects.
This word is only used for humans or animals that have run out of energy.
Examples
Examples
1日中歩き回って、もうヘトヘトだ。
いちにちじゅうあるきまわって、もう[ヘトヘト]だ。
After walking around all day, I'm completely exhausted.
LiteralIndicates physical exhaustion due to activity.
炎天下でスポーツをして、みんなヘトヘトになっている。
えんてんかでスポーツをして、みんな[ヘトヘト]になっている。
Playing sports under the blazing sun, everyone has become completely exhausted.
LiteralHot weather context that drains energy.
難しいテストの連続で、頭がヘトヘトに疲れた。
むずかしいテストのれんぞくで、あたまが[ヘトヘト]につかれた。
Due to a series of difficult tests, my brain is completely exhausted.
FigurativeExample of usage for mental or brain fatigue.
徹夜で仕事をして、朝にはへとへとだった。
てつやでしごとをして、あさには[へとへと]だった。
Working all night long, I was dead tired by morning.
LiteralWriting in hiragana is also commonly used.
彼はヘトヘトになるまで走り続けた。
かれは[ヘトヘト]になるまではしりつづけた。
He kept running until he was completely exhausted.
LiteralShows an action performed until reaching the physical limit.
Similar Words
ヘロヘロ
herohero
Describes a state of extreme physical or mental exhaustion, or an object that has lost its firmness and become flimsy. Herohero places more emphasis on the body being unstable or wobbly when walking due to fatigue.
くたくた
kutakuta
Describes being completely exhausted, clothing that has become soft and worn out from use, or food boiled until it is mushy. Both mean tired, but kutakuta also implies losing shape (e.g. limp body or worn-out clothes).
Questions
What is the difference between hetoheto and tsukareta?
Tsukareta just means tired, while hetoheto means extreme exhaustion to the point of having no energy left.
Can hetoheto be used for mental fatigue?
Yes, it can be used for mental or brain fatigue, such as after taking a difficult exam.
Can I say this to my boss?
The word sounds casual, so it is best avoided in formal situations or towards superiors.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1011330
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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