ぽたり

adverb taking the 'to' particle

drip; fall drop by drop

Describes a single drop falling or the sound of a drop hitting a surface. Often used with と.

• 蛇じゃ口ぐちから水みずがぽたりと落おちた。

  A drop of water fell from the faucet with a drip.

adverb taking the 'to' particle

suddenly (of a drop)

Emphasizes the suddenness of a single drop appearing or falling, often in a quiet or unexpected moment.

• 静しずかな部屋へやで、天てん井じょうからぽたりと水すい滴てきが落おちてきた。

  In the quiet room, a drop of water suddenly fell from the ceiling.