Translation guide
The English word 'drool' can refer to saliva flowing from the mouth, often involuntarily, or to expressing strong desire. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for both literal and figurative uses.
Describing saliva dripping or flowing out of the mouth, often while sleeping, due to hunger, or in babies.
The most common word for 'drool' as a noun. Can be used for saliva that drips involuntarily.
Expressing strong desire or lust for something, often in a slightly vulgar or humorous way.
Idiomatic phrase meaning 'to want something so much it makes you drool'. Used for food or desirable objects.
While よだれを垂らす can be used figuratively for desire, it may sound crude or overly dramatic in polite conversation. For formal contexts, use 欲しくてたまらない or 非常に欲しい instead.
I really want that car.
赤ちゃんがよだれを垂らしている。
The baby is drooling.
I drool while sleeping.
Verb phrase meaning 'to drool'. Literally 'to let drool hang down'.
The dog is drooling.
Kanji form of よだれ, less common in everyday writing but seen in literature.
Wipe away drool.
Formal/medical term for 'saliva'. Not typically used for casual drooling.
Saliva secretion increases.
I want that cake so much I'm drooling.
Figuratively 'to drool over' something, implying strong desire or lust.
He's drooling over the new car.
General expression for 'wanting something unbearably'. Not directly 'drool', but conveys intense desire.
I want that bag so badly I can't stand it.