Entry
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.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word highlights the concept of a 'single, isolated point'. It is frequently used to depict the very first drop of rain or a single tear, a person or object standing completely alone in a large space, or someone quietly muttering a solitary, brief remark.
- A single drop
- Being completely alone
- Muttering briefly
Sense Map
Water Drops
Describes the falling of a single drop of liquid, such as the first raindrop or a solitary tear.
雨がポツリと降り始めた。
Isolation
Indicates the state of a person or an object existing or standing completely alone, isolated from others.
広い野原に一軒の家がポツリと建っている。
Muttering Words
Describes someone uttering a single word or a very brief remark quietly, often without much emotion.
彼は「疲れた」とポツリと言った。
Usage Note
How to Use
ポツリと + Action Verb (降る, 言う)
Used with the particle と to modify an instantaneous action, like rain starting to fall or a word being spoken abruptly.
ポツリと + State Verb (ある, いる, 建つ)
Shows how an object or person exists alone in striking isolation within a given location.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ポツリと降る
to start raining in scattered drops
ポツリと言う
to mutter a single word
ポツリとある
to be located in isolation (inanimate)
涙がポツリと
a single tear (falling)
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Weather | neutral | Signals the exact moment rain begins, before it gets heavier. |
| Physical State | neutral | Gives the impression of a large, empty space with only one object drawing attention. |
| Human Action | negative | Usually implies someone speaking without enthusiasm or muttering in a low, flat tone. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぽつりぽつり ぽつりぽつり / nearby | Use when drops of water fall continuously bit by bit, rather than just a single drop. | ポツリ focuses only on a single point, while ポツリポツリ means repeating slowly and continuously. | 雨がポツリポツリと降る |
ぽつねんと ぽつねんと / nearby | Used specifically for a person sitting or standing alone with a feeling of emptiness or emotional loneliness. | Places more emphasis on lonely internal feelings, whereas ポツリ is more neutral and visual. | ぽつねんと座っている |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using ポツリ to describe heavy, pouring rain.
Use words like ザアザア for heavy rain. ポツリ is only for the very first drops.
Using it to describe a long conversation.
Only use ポツリ for muttering or uttering very short, brief remarks.
Examples
Examples
雨がポツリと降り始めた。
あめがポツリとふりはじめた。
The rain started to fall in solitary drops.
VisualDescribes the very first raindrops hitting the ground.
部屋の真ん中に椅子がポツリと置かれている。
へやのまんなかにいすがポツリとおかれている。
A single chair is placed alone in the middle of the room.
VisualShows the isolation of a single object in an empty space.
彼は「疲れた」とポツリと言った。
かれは「つかれた」とポツリといった。
He muttered the word 'tired' quietly.
LiteralDescribes a short remark spoken without energy.
涙がポツリと頬を伝った。
なみだがポツリとほおをつたった。
A single tear trickled down the cheek.
VisualFocuses on the falling of a single tear.
広い野原に一軒の家がポツリと建っている。
ひろいののはらにいっけんのいえがポツリとたっている。
A single house stands alone in the wide field.
VisualDescribes a lone house with no other buildings around.
Similar Words
ぽつねんと
potsunento
Focuses on internal feelings of emptiness and loneliness.
ポツリポツリ
potsuripotsuri
Happening sparsely, little by little, or intermittently, like scattered raindrops. Indicates slowly repeating events rather than a single point.
ポツポツ
potsupotsu
A word describing light drops falling, scattered small spots, or things progressing little by little.
Questions
Can I use ポツリ for heavy rain?
No. This word is exclusively for rain that has just started to fall (a drop or two).
What is the difference between ポツリ and ポツポツ?
ポツリ emphasizes a single drop or isolated item, while ポツポツ means drops falling in a slightly larger, scattered quantity.
Is it okay to use ポツリ for buildings?
Yes. It's very natural to describe a building 'standing alone' (ポツリと建っている) in a wide, empty area.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2009770
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- Needs review
- Active language
- English
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