Translation guide
In Japanese, the word for 'droplet' depends on the size, context, and what the droplet is made of. The most common general term is 滴 (shizuku), but for very small droplets like those in a spray or mist, 飛沫 (himatsu) or 水滴 (suiteki) are used. In scientific or technical contexts, 液滴 (ekiteki) is common.
A small, roundish amount of liquid, often hanging or falling.
The most common and poetic word for a droplet, often used for tears, dew, or a single drop of liquid.
葉っぱに滴がついている。
There is a droplet on the leaf.
彼女の頬に涙の滴が伝った。
A droplet of tear ran down her cheek.
Literally 'water droplet', used for drops of water, often in practical or scientific contexts.
窓ガラスに水滴がついている。
There are water droplets on the window glass.
Alternative kanji for 滴, often used in literary or poetic contexts. Same reading and meaning.
朝露の雫が美しい。
The droplets of morning dew are beautiful.
A tiny droplet, often produced by sneezing, spraying, or splashing, and may be airborne.
Refers to droplets that fly through the air, such as from a sneeze, splash, or spray. Common in hygiene contexts.
くしゃみの飛沫が飛ぶ。
Droplets from a sneeze fly.
飛沫感染を防ぐためにマスクをする。
Wear a mask to prevent droplet infection.
Technical term for 'micro-droplet', used in scientific or engineering contexts.
微小液滴の生成技術が進歩している。
Technology for generating micro-droplets is advancing.
A small amount of liquid in a controlled setting, such as in experiments, printing, or emulsions.
General technical term for a liquid droplet, used in physics, chemistry, and engineering.
液滴の表面張力を測定する。
Measure the surface tension of the droplet.
Specifically an oil droplet.
水中に油滴が分散している。
Oil droplets are dispersed in the water.
滴 (shizuku) is the most general and can be used for any small drop of liquid, often with a poetic nuance. 水滴 (suiteki) specifically means a water droplet and is more neutral/technical. 飛沫 (himatsu) emphasizes droplets that are airborne or splashed, and is commonly used in medical/hygiene contexts.
In English, 'droplet' is often used for very small drops in the air (e.g., from a sneeze). In Japanese, 飛沫 is the natural choice here, not 滴. Using 滴 for airborne droplets may sound odd.