こぼれ

noun

spilling; spill

Refers to the act of spilling or the spilled material itself. Often used in compound nouns like こぼれ話 (a story that slips out) or こぼれ種 (seeds that have fallen).

• コーヒーのこぼれを拭ふいてください。

  Please wipe up the coffee spill.

• こぼれ話ばなしを聞きかせて。

  Tell me the story that slipped out.

noun

leavings; leftovers

Refers to remnants or scraps, often from a meal or a larger portion. Can carry a humble nuance when referring to receiving something that is left over from others, as in おこぼれ (honorific prefix form).

See also: おこぼれ

• おこぼれをいただく。

  I receive the leftovers (humble).

• パーティーのこぼれをもらった。

  I got the leftovers from the party.