Translation guide
Describes a liquid being dispensed or falling in small, separate amounts. Japanese uses adverbial phrases or mimetic words rather than a single direct equivalent.
To describe a liquid being added or falling in individual drops, often in a medical, culinary, or descriptive context.
Literally 'one drop at a time'. The most common and natural way to express 'in drops' when referring to adding or dispensing liquid drop by drop.
目薬を一滴ずつさす。
Apply eye drops one drop at a time.
エッセンシャルオイルを一滴ずつ加える。
Add the essential oil drop by drop.
To describe liquid naturally falling in separate drops, such as rain beginning to fall or tears dripping.
A mimetic adverb describing something falling in scattered drops, often used for rain starting or tears falling.
雨がぽつぽつと降り始めた。
Rain started falling in drops.
涙がぽつぽつとこぼれた。
Tears fell drop by drop.
There is no single Japanese word that directly corresponds to 'in drops' as an adverbial phrase. Using '滴で' (てきで) is not natural. Instead, use phrases like '一滴ずつ' or mimetic words depending on context.
A more technical or formal term meaning 'by dripping' or 'in drops'. Often used in instructions or scientific contexts.
溶液を滴下して反応を観察する。
Add the solution dropwise and observe the reaction.
Specifically refers to intravenous drip or medical infusion. Only used in medical contexts.
薬を点滴で投与する。
Administer the medication by IV drip.
A mimetic word for liquid dripping in larger, heavier drops, like water from a leaky faucet or thick liquid.
蛇口から水がぽたぽたと落ちている。
Water is dripping from the faucet in drops.
A verb meaning 'to drip down' or 'trickle', emphasizing the falling motion of drops. More literary or descriptive.
汗が額からしたたり落ちた。
Sweat dripped from his forehead in drops.