Entry
ポロリ
porori
ポロリ (porori) describes a small object or tear suddenly dropping, or a secret inadvertently slipping out of one's mouth.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
ポロリ is an onomatopoeia describing the sudden or effortless dropping of something small. It is mainly used in three ways: the dropping of liquids (like tears or dew), small objects coming off or falling from a grasp (like a button or keys), and words slipping out unintentionally (such as spilling a secret or true feelings).
- Liquid drops
- Small objects falling
- Slipping secrets
Sense Map
Liquid Drops
A teardrop or dewdrop falling.
涙がポロリと流れる。
Small Objects
Small things effortlessly detaching or slipping from one's hands.
手から鍵がポロリと落ちた。
Slipping Secrets
Unintentionally spilling a secret or one's true feelings.
つい本音をポロリと漏らした。
Usage Note
How to Use
ポロリと + 落ちる / こぼれる
Used when a tear, drop of water, or small object falls down.
ポロリと + 取れる
Used when a small attached part (like a button) comes off easily.
ポロリと + 言う / 漏らす
Used when someone accidentally speaks a secret or true feeling.
How to Use
Common Phrases
涙がポロリとこぼれる
Tears spill or drop
ポロリと落とす
To drop a small object
秘密をポロリと漏らす
To accidentally spill a secret
ボタンがポロリと取れる
A button comes off easily
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Tears / Dew | neutral | Implies distinct drops falling lightly, rather than heavy sobbing or a continuous stream. |
| Small Objects | neutral | Conveys that the object detached or slipped effortlessly without any resistance. |
| Secrets / Words | neutral | Highlights the unintentional nature of the utterance, often happening when one's guard is down. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぽろっと ぽろっと / similar | For a more abrupt, colloquial, and instantaneous drop or slip of the tongue. | ポロっと emphasizes the suddenness of the event and is slightly more casual than ポロリ. | 本音をポロっと言う。 |
ほろり ほろり / similar | When shedding a tear due to being emotionally moved or touched. | ほろり focuses on the emotional state of being moved to tears, whereas ポロリ focuses strictly on the physical action of a tear or an object dropping. | 話を聞いてほろりとした。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using ポロリ for large objects dropping (like a TV or heavy furniture).
It is only used for small objects like buttons, coins, keys, or teardrops.
Using it for general carelessness, like forgetting a wallet or taking the wrong train.
Use うっかり for general mistakes. ポロリ is restricted to something physically falling or a word 'slipping out'.
Examples
Examples
悲しい映画を見て、涙がポロリとこぼれた。
かなしい えいが を みて、 なみだ が ポロリ と こぼれた。
Watching a sad movie, a tear dropped.
LiteralUsed for a distinct teardrop falling.
古いシャツのボタンがポロリと取れてしまった。
ふるい シャツ の ボタン が ポロリ と とれて しまった。
The button on the old shirt easily came off.
LiteralShows the button detaching without any resistance.
彼は酒に酔って、会社の秘密をポロリと漏らした。
かれ は さけ に よって、 かいしゃ の ひみつ を ポロリ と もらした。
Because he was drunk, he inadvertently spilled a company secret.
FigurativeOften used in combination with the verb 'to leak/spill' (漏らす).
疲れて寝ていた手から、ペンがポロリと落ちた。
つかれて ねて いた て から、 ペン が ポロリ と おちた。
The pen slipped from my hand as I fell asleep exhausted.
LiteralEmphasizes a small object slipping naturally from one's grasp.
ずっと我慢していた本音が、ポロリと口から出た。
ずっと がまん して いた ほんね が、 ポロリ と くち から でた。
My true feelings, which I had been holding back, just slipped out.
FigurativeUsed for true feelings or words spoken unintentionally.
Similar Words
ポロっと
porotto
Similar to ポロリ, but implies a more abrupt, colloquial spontaneity.
ほろり
horori
ほろり describes a gentle transition, such as being moved to shed a tear, becoming pleasantly tipsy, or the soft falling of light objects. Focuses on being emotionally moved to tears, rather than the physical drop.
うっかり
ukkari
Doing something by mistake or forgetting something due to a momentary lapse in concentration.
Questions
Can ポロリ be used for large falling objects?
No, it is restricted to small items like buttons, coins, or tears. For heavy items, use different expressions.
What is the difference between ポロリ and ほろり?
ほろり emphasizes the emotional state of being touched to tears, while ポロリ describes the physical action of a tear or object dropping.
Is it common to use ポロリ for secrets?
Yes, it is very common when a secret or a hidden true feeling is inadvertently let out in conversation.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2114800
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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