Japanese word

滴

Pronunciation

Romajishizuku

Meaning

  • noundrop

Example

葉から水の滴が一つ落ちます。ha ka ra mizu no shizuku ga hito tsu o chi ma su

A drop of water falls from the leaf.

Illustration for 滴 (drop)

More examples

窓辺の葉に朝露の滴が輝いています。mado be no ha ni asa tsuyu no shizuku ga kagaya i te i ma su

A drop of morning dew is sparkling on the leaf by the window.

Core concept

Presents liquid as a small separate bead that rests on a surface or falls through the air.

Common phrases

  • 水の滴mizu no shizuku

    drop of water

  • 大粒の滴ō tsubu no shizuku

    large drop

  • 滴を拭うshizuku o nugū

    wipe away a drop

Similar words

水滴suiteki: A small separate amount of water that rests on a surface or falls through the air.

Definition in Japanese

水などの液体が粒のようにまとまったもの。mizu na do no eki tai ga tsubu no yō ni ma to ma tta mo no

Word origin

The native Japanese noun 滴 (shizuku, "drop") has an uncertain etymology, and 滴 is a kanji spelling selected for its liquid-related meaning, not a breakdown of the word's sounds.

Usage tips

  • English speakers use drop for a decrease, a product release, or a small amount of something, but 滴 (shizuku) stays tied to liquid.

Other meanings

  • dripnoun

Related words

  • 滴状shizukujōdroplet-shapedna-adjective

Word lists with this word