also: ちびりちびり
adverb, adverb taking the 'to' particle
little by little; bit by bit; sparingly
Mimetic adverb describing doing something in small amounts or gradually, often with a sense of savoring or being careful. Commonly used with drinking or eating.
He is sipping his whiskey little by little.
I spend my allowance sparingly.
Standard kana spelling for this mimetic adverb.
Less common variant; conveys the same meaning but is rarely used.
Mimetic word; the exact origin is uncertain, but it likely derives from the reduplication of ちび (small, tiny) to express doing something in small amounts.