Entry
ポチポチ
pochipochi
ポチポチ describes light clicking sounds, small scattered dots like raindrops, or doing something little by little.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word has three main uses: the light, repetitive sound or action of clicking or tapping buttons (like on a smartphone), the appearance of small dots or scattered raindrops, and describing progress or time moving forward little by little at a leisurely pace.
- Clicking
- Little by little
- Dots/Drops
Sense Map
Clicking / Tapping
Describes the sound or action of lightly and repeatedly pressing buttons, especially smartphone screens or a mouse.
スマホをポチポチする。
Little by little
Doing an action or going through a process slowly, gradually, and at a relaxed pace.
作業をポチポチ進める。
Dots / Drops
Describes scattered small dots or light raindrops that are just starting to fall.
雨がポチポチ降り出す。
Usage Note
How to Use
ポチポチする
Used as a verb to mean clicking or tapping buttons repeatedly.
ポチポチと + verb
Acts as an adverb to describe how an action (like raining or working) happens.
ポチポチ + verb
An adverbial form without 'と', having the same function and meaning.
How to Use
Common Phrases
スマホをポチポチする
Using a smartphone
雨がポチポチと降る
Rain starts to drop lightly
ポチポチと進める
Proceeding little by little
マウスをポチポチする
Clicking a mouse
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Operating devices | neutral | Extremely common for describing casual smartphone use. |
| Doing tasks | neutral | Gives the impression that work is being done steadily without rush. |
| Start of rain | neutral | Used only when the first few drops hit the ground. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぼちぼち ぼちぼち / similar | Both can mean 'little by little'. ぼちぼち emphasizes a leisurely, relaxed pace, while ポチポチ emphasizes steady, small steps. | Do not use ぼちぼち for clicking sounds. | ぼちぼち出かけよう。 |
かちかち かちかち / similar | Both describe clicking sounds. カチカチ is a harder, sharper sound like a mechanical switch. | Do not use カチカチ for soft smartphone tapping. | 時計がカチカチ鳴る。 |
ぽつぽつ ぽつぽつ / similar | Very similar for describing light rain or dots. They are often interchangeable for weather. | Do not use ポツポツ for clicking devices. | 雨がポツポツ降る。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for heavy rain.
Only use for very light, scattered drops. Heavy rain is ざあざあ.
Interpreting it as hitting something hard.
The tapping is always light, like touching a screen or a small button.
Examples
Examples
スマホをポチポチいじる。
スマホをポチポチいじる
I am tapping away on my smartphone.
LiteralDescribes light tapping on the screen.
マウスをポチポチとクリックする。
マウスをポチポチとクリックする
Clicking the mouse repeatedly.
LiteralUsed for a light, continuous clicking sound.
雨がポチポチ降り出した。
あめがポチポチふりだした
The rain started to fall in scattered drops.
VisualIndicates the first drops of rain.
仕事をポチポチ進める。
しごとをポチポチすすめる
Progressing with the work little by little.
FigurativeIndicates a relaxed working pace.
赤いポチポチがある。
あかいポチポチがある
There are red spots.
VisualUsed as a noun for small dots.
Similar Words
ぼちぼち
bochibochi
Slowly but steadily, or soon at a leisurely pace. Leisurely progress.
ポツポツ
potsupotsu
A word describing light drops falling, scattered small spots, or things progressing little by little. Scattered drops or dots.
かちかち
kachikachi
A state of something hardening, being stiff from nervousness, or the continuous ticking sound of a clock. Sharper mechanical clicking.
Questions
What is the difference between ポチポチ and カチカチ when clicking?
カチカチ is sharper, like a hard plastic mouse. ポチポチ is softer, like tapping a smartphone screen.
Does "ポチポチ進める" mean working slowly?
Not necessarily critically slow, but taking it easy and making steady progress.
Can I use it for heavy rain?
No, it is only for light, beginning rain.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2454650
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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