Translation guide
Describes an action or process that occurs one drop at a time, gradually, or in small increments. In Japanese, this is commonly expressed with mimetic adverbs, compound verbs, or set phrases that convey a slow, steady, or piecemeal manner.
To describe a liquid falling or being added in individual drops.
The most direct and common way to say 'drop by drop' for liquids. Uses the counter 滴 (てき) for drops and ずつ meaning 'each' or 'one by one'.
薬を一滴ずつ垂らしてください。
Please add the medicine drop by drop.
Rainwater is falling drop by drop.
A mimetic adverb describing the sound or motion of liquid dripping in drops. Often used for a steady, audible dripping.
蛇口から水がぽたぽた漏れている。
Water is dripping drop by drop from the faucet.
A mimetic adverb for intermittent drops, often used for rain starting or sparse droplets. Implies a slower, more spaced-out dripping.
雨がぽつりぽつりと降り始めた。
It started raining drop by drop.
To describe a process that happens slowly, bit by bit, or in small stages, not necessarily involving liquid.
The most versatile and common way to say 'little by little' or 'gradually'. Works for any incremental process.
少しずつ慣れていきます。
I'll get used to it drop by drop (gradually).
貯金を少しずつ増やしている。
I'm increasing my savings drop by drop.
A more formal or written way to say 'gradually'. Often used in instructions or descriptions of processes.
A mimetic adverb meaning 'steadily' or 'diligently', often used for accumulating effort or savings bit by bit.
A colloquial mimetic word for doing something in small amounts, especially drinking alcohol slowly or using something sparingly.
To describe adding or handling items individually, similar to 'drop by drop' but for countable objects.
The standard way to say 'one by one' for objects. Use the appropriate counter if not general items.
書類を一つずつ確認してください。
Please check the documents drop by drop (one by one).
Specifically for small, often round or generic objects. Uses the counter 個.
飴を一個ずつ配った。
I handed out candies drop by drop (one by one).
Both mean 'gradually', but 少しずつ is more conversational and emphasizes small, discrete steps, while 徐々に is more formal and often used for continuous, smooth changes.
少しずつ日本語が上手になっている。
My Japanese is improving drop by drop (little by little).
徐々に景気が回復している。
The economy is recovering drop by drop (gradually).
The English phrase 'drop by drop' is often used figuratively. In Japanese, directly translating it as 一滴ずつ may sound odd unless you are literally talking about liquid drops. Use 少しずつ or other gradual expressions for figurative meanings.
Please increase the temperature drop by drop (gradually).
こつこつとお金を貯めています。
I'm saving money drop by drop (steadily).
ウイスキーをちびちび飲んでいる。
I'm sipping whiskey drop by drop (little by little).