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.
Apply eye drops one drop at a time.
A more technical or formal term meaning 'by dripping' or 'in drops'. Often used in instructions or scientific contexts.
Specifically refers to intravenous drip or medical infusion. Only used in medical contexts.
Administer the medication by IV drip.
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.
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.
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.
Add the solution dropwise and observe the reaction.
Rain started falling in drops.
Tears fell drop by drop.
A mimetic word for liquid dripping in larger, heavier drops, like water from a leaky faucet or thick liquid.
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.
Sweat dripped from his forehead in drops.