adverb, adverb taking the 'to' particle
drop by drop; dripping; trickling
Describes liquid falling slowly in drops or a thin stream. Often used with verbs like 落ちる, 流れる, or 垂れる.
蛇口から水がたらたらと落ちている。
Water is dripping from the faucet.
汗が額からたらたら流れた。
Sweat trickled down my forehead.
adverb, adverb taking the 'to' particle
incessantly; on and on; in great profusion
Used for speech that goes on without stopping, especially complaints, compliments, or excuses. Often has a negative or weary nuance.
彼は言い訳をたらたらと並べた。
He rattled off excuses one after another.
おばあさんは孫の自慢話をたらたら話し続けた。
The old lady went on and on boasting about her grandchild.
adverb, adverb taking the 'to' particle
sluggishly; dawdling; dilly-dallying
Colloquial use for moving or acting slowly and without purpose. Often implies laziness or lack of urgency.
ぐずぐずしないで、たらたら歩かないでよ。
Stop dawdling and don't walk so slowly.
彼は仕事をたらたらやっている。
He's doing his work sluggishly.
Blood is trickling from the wound.
She's always griping on and on.
Don't just sit around dawdling instead of doing your homework—get it done.
He was running, sweat dripping off him.
I wish he'd stop showering the boss with flattery.
He's just plodding through his work half-heartedly.