Entry
ポトン
poton
ポトン (poton) represents the light, brief sound of a small object or a single drop of liquid falling and hitting a surface.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This onomatopoeia mimics the 'plop' or 'plonk' sound made when something small and relatively light, such as a pebble, a piece of candy, a coin, or a single teardrop, drops onto a surface or into liquid. It emphasizes a single, brief impact rather than a continuous or heavy noise.
- Small object dropping
- Drop of liquid falling
Sense Map
Small Object Dropping
Describes the sound of a small, lightweight solid object (like a pebble or coin) falling and striking a surface.
小石がポトンと落ちた。
Drop of Liquid
Describes the sound of a distinct drop of liquid, such as a single tear or a water droplet, hitting a surface.
涙がポトンとこぼれる。
Usage Note
How to Use
ポトンと + Verb (落ちる / ochiru, こぼれる / koboreru)
Functions as an adverb describing how something falls. It is almost always paired with verbs of dropping or spilling, like 落ちる (to fall) or 落とす (to drop).
ポトンと + 音がする (oto ga suru)
Translates to 'makes a plop sound', describing the auditory feedback of the small dropped item.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ポトンと落ちる
to fall with a plop
ポトンと落とす
to drop (something) with a plonk
涙がポトンと
a tear falls with a plop
音がポトンと
a plop sound occurs
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| A pebble or coin falling | Neutral | Indicates a light, brief impact on a hard surface or in water. |
| A tear or faucet dripping | Neutral / Slightly sad | Used for a single drop. If it drips repeatedly, it is usually doubled as 'ポトン、ポトン' (poton, poton). |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぽとり ぽとり / similar | When you want to emphasize the visual aspect of the drop landing, or a slightly softer, lingering feeling. | Poton has a slightly sharper, more distinct auditory cutoff because of the 'n' ending, whereas potori feels a bit softer, slightly heavier, and focuses more on the solitary state of the fallen object. | 涙がポトリと落ちた。 |
ぼちゃん ぼちゃん / similar | When a much larger object falls into a body of water, creating a big splash. | Poton is a very small 'plop', while bochan is a loud, disruptive 'splash' that displaces a lot of water. | 池にぼちゃんと落ちた。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it to describe dropping a heavy book, a piece of furniture, or a person falling.
Poton is only for light, small things. For heavy thuds, use 'ドスン' (dosun) or 'バタン' (batan).
Using it for continuous, heavy rain.
Poton implies a distinct, isolated drop. For heavy, pouring rain, use 'ザーザー' (zaazaa).
Examples
Examples
小さな石が池にポトンと落ちた。
ちいさないしがいけにポトンとおちた。
A small stone dropped into the pond with a plop.
LiteralIndicates a small solid object (stone) hitting a water surface with a light sound.
彼女の頬から涙がポトンとこぼれた。
かのじょのほおからなみだがポトンとこぼれた。
A single tear plopped down from her cheek.
VisualDescribes a single tear falling, carrying a slightly sad, lonely nuance.
ポケットから硬貨がポトンと落ちた音がした。
ポケットからこうかがポトンとおちたおとがした。
There was a plink sound of a coin dropping from the pocket.
LiteralFocuses on the auditory aspect. A coin is a small, light object that perfectly matches this word.
蛇口から水滴がポトンと落ちている。
じゃぐちからすいてきがポトンとおちている。
A single drop of water dripped from the faucet.
VisualThis emphasizes a single dripping event, rather than a continuous leak.
どんぐりが頭の上にポトンと落ちてきた。
どんぐりがあたまのうえにポトンとおちてきた。
An acorn dropped right on top of my head with a light plonk.
LiteralShows that the light object is harmless when it lands.
Similar Words
ポトリ
potori
ポトリ (potori) describes the light sound or visual action of a single drop of liquid or a small object falling. Similar, but 'potori' feels slightly softer and lingers more on the visual state of the fallen object.
ぼちゃん
bochan
The sound of a solid object dropping into water or a deep hole. For large objects falling into water (a loud splash), as opposed to a tiny plop.
Questions
Can I use 'poton' for footsteps?
No. 'Poton' is strictly for small objects or liquid drops falling. For footsteps, you would use words like 'スタスタ' (sutasuta) or 'ドシドシ' (doshidoshi) depending on the type of walk.
What is the difference between 'poton' and 'pota-pota'?
'Poton' describes a single, distinct event of something dropping. 'Pota-pota' specifically describes liquid dripping continuously and repeatedly.
Is 'poton' only used for water?
No. While it is heavily associated with droplets, it is equally common for small, solid, lightweight objects like acorns, coins, or pebbles.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2684720
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
- Previous entry
- ぶるっと (burutto)
- Next entry
- ブルルン (bururun)