Entry
ポタリ
potari
Describes the sound or visual of a single, distinct drop of liquid falling.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
A mimetic word representing the sound or motion of a single, substantial drop of liquid, such as water, sweat, or a tear, falling and hitting a surface.
- A single falling drop
- Sudden drop of liquid
Sense Map
A single falling drop
Used for a distinct, clear drop of liquid falling, such as sweat from exhaustion, a single tear, or water dripping from a leak.
汗がポタリと落ちる。
Sudden appearance of a drop
Emphasizes the suddenness or unexpected nature of a drop falling from above.
雨水がポタリと垂れた。
Usage Note
How to Use
ポタリと + verb
Used as an adverb to describe the manner in which a drop of liquid falls or drips.
ポタリと落ちる
ポタリと垂れる
How to Use
Common Phrases
汗がポタリ
a drop of sweat
涙がポタリ
a single tear
雫がポタリ
a single drop of liquid
ポタリと落ちる
to fall in a single drop
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Sweat or Tears | neutral to dramatic | Often used to highlight extreme physical exhaustion through a drop of sweat, or sudden emotion with a single tear. |
| Rain or Leaks | neutral | Describes a single, substantial drop of water falling from a ceiling, branch, or the sky. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぽたぽた ぽたぽた / similar | Use this word when drops are falling continuously one after another without stopping. | Our main word is strictly a single isolated drop, whereas this comparison word is for continuous dripping. | 水がポタポタ落ちる。 |
ぽつり ぽつり / similar | Use this word for a smaller, isolated drop, often the very first drop of rain hitting the ground. | Our main word sounds slightly heavier or describes a larger, more substantial droplet than this comparison word. | 雨がポツリと降る。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for continuous rain, a flowing leak, or a running faucet.
This word is strictly for a single drop. Use other words for continuous dripping or flowing water.
Using it to describe solid objects falling, like a pen dropping on the floor.
It is exclusively used for liquids like water, sweat, tears, or ink.
Examples
Examples
額から汗がポタリと落ちた。
ひたいから あせが ポタリと おちた。
A drop of sweat fell from my forehead.
LiteralShows a single drop of sweat.
天井から水がポタリと垂れてきた。
てんじょうから みずが ポタリと たれてきた。
A drop of water dripped from the ceiling.
LiteralDescribes a leak in the form of a single drop.
彼女の頬を涙がポタリと伝った。
かのじょの ほおを なみだが ポタリと つたった。
A single tear ran down her cheek.
VisualA single tear falling highlights emotion.
葉の先から朝露がぽたりとこぼれた。
はの さきから あさつゆが ぽたりと こぼれた。
Morning dew dripped from the tip of the leaf.
VisualHiragana is used to give a soft impression of nature.
筆からインクがポタリと落ちて、紙を汚した。
ふでから インクが ポタリと おちて、かみを よごした。
A drop of ink fell from the brush and stained the paper.
LiteralAlso applies to liquid substances other than water.
Similar Words
ポタポタ
potapota
Describes the sound or appearance of liquid continuously falling in distinct drops. Use for continuous dripping of water.
ポツリ
potsuri
Describes a single, isolated point or event, such as a solitary drop of liquid falling, standing completely alone, or muttering just a few words. A smaller, isolated drop.
Questions
Can I use this word when it is raining heavily?
No, it exclusively describes a single falling drop. Heavy rain requires a completely different descriptive word.
What is the difference between this word and its reduplicated form?
This single form represents exactly one drop. The doubled form represents liquid dripping repeatedly and continuously.
Which verbs naturally pair with this word?
Verbs that mean to fall or to drip are the most common and natural pairings.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1125270
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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