点々
Meanings
adverb, adverb taking the 'to' particle
here and there; sporadically; in drops
Describes something scattered or occurring intermittently across space or time; often used with と (点々と). Can refer to physical dots, scattered objects, or sporadic events.
Stars are shining here and there in the night sky.
Interesting episodes are written sporadically in his diary.
Refers to the marks or spots themselves, often in a pattern or scattered arrangement. Can be used for physical dots, stains, or as a noun modifier.
There is a pattern of dots on the wall.
Ink spots got on my shirt.
Usage patterns
- 〈物〉が点々と散らばるfor things to be scattered here and there
Flower petals were scattered here and there in the garden.
- 〈物〉が点々と続くfor something (e.g. marks, drops) to continue intermittently
Drops of blood continued intermittently across the snow.
- 〈場所〉に点々と〈物〉が見えるfor scattered things to be visible in a place
Small huts can be seen dotted here and there on the mountainside.
- 点々とした〈物〉something covered in dots or spots
There were spots and stains scattered on the shirt.