滴る in 30 Seconds
- The verb 滴る (shitataru) means to drip or trickle.
- It describes liquid falling in small, continuous drops.
- Commonly used for rain, sweat, or sauce.
The Japanese verb 滴る (したたる - shitataru) is used to describe the action of a liquid falling in small, continuous drops. It evokes a sense of slow, often persistent, descent of liquid. You'll hear this word used in various everyday situations. For instance, imagine a rainy day where water is constantly dripping from the eaves of a house or from the leaves of trees. In the kitchen, if you're preparing a juicy piece of fruit or a rich sauce, you might see droplets forming and slowly falling. It's also used to describe bodily fluids, such as sweat trickling down someone's forehead after physical exertion, or even tears falling from the eyes. The word carries a gentle, almost poetic nuance, suggesting a steady, unhurried flow. It’s not about a gush or a pour, but rather a delicate, consistent movement of liquid. Think of it as the sound of a leaky faucet – drip, drip, drip. This imagery makes 滴る a very descriptive and evocative verb.
- Literal Meaning
- The act of liquid falling drop by drop.
- Connotation
- Slow, continuous, gentle movement of liquid.
- Situations
- Rain, sweat, sauce, soup, tears, dew, melting ice.
雨が屋根から滴っている。Ame ga yane kara shitattate iru.
汗が額から滴っていた。Ase ga hitai kara shitattate ita.
The verb 滴る (したたる - shitataru) is primarily used in its non-past plain form (滴る - shitataru) and past tense form (滴った - shitattata). It can also be used in its continuous form (滴っている - shitattatte iru) to emphasize an ongoing action. When constructing sentences, consider what is dripping and from where. The subject is usually the source of the dripping, or the liquid itself. Particles like が (ga) or は (wa) can mark the subject, while particles like から (kara) indicate the origin or place from which something is dripping. The destination or object affected by the dripping can be marked with に (ni). For example, when describing rain, you might say 雨が屋根から滴っている (Ame ga yane kara shitattatte iru - Rain is dripping from the roof). If you want to describe something like sauce falling from a spoon, you could say ソースがスプーンから滴った (Soosu ga supuun kara shitattata - The sauce dripped from the spoon). For bodily fluids, sweat is a common subject: 汗が首筋を滴った (Ase ga kubisuji o shitattata - Sweat dripped down my neck). Even something as simple as melting ice can be described using this verb: 氷が溶けて水が滴っている (Koori ga tokete mizu ga shitattatte iru - The ice is melting and water is dripping). The verb is versatile and can be applied to a wide range of scenarios where liquid falls in small, steady amounts. Remember to conjugate it appropriately based on the tense and aspect you wish to convey. For instance, in a narrative, you might use the past tense, while describing a current observation would call for the continuous form.
- Basic Conjugation
- Present Plain: 滴る (shitataru), Past Plain: 滴った (shitattata), Present Continuous: 滴っている (shitattatte iru)
- Particle Usage
- が/は (ga/wa) for the subject, から (kara) for the origin, に (ni) for the destination.
- Example Sentence Structure
- [Liquid/Object] が/は [Source] から 滴る/滴った/滴っている.
スープが火から滴り落ちた。Suupu ga hi kara shitatari ochita.
彼女の目から涙が滴っていた。Kanojo no me kara namida ga shitattatte ita.
You'll encounter 滴る (したたる - shitataru) in a variety of contexts, often in descriptive language found in literature, poetry, and even everyday conversations about weather and food. When discussing rain, especially light or persistent rain, people might say things like 「雨が屋根から滴っている」 (Ame ga yane kara shitattatte iru - Rain is dripping from the roof) or 「葉っぱから水が滴っていた」 (Happa kara mizu ga shitattata - Water was dripping from the leaves). In the culinary world, it's used to describe the texture or preparation of food. For example, a chef might mention 「肉汁がフライパンに滴っている」 (Nikujiru ga furaipan ni shitattatte iru - The meat juice is dripping into the frying pan), highlighting the richness of the meat. Similarly, when describing something like honey or syrup, one might say 「蜂蜜がパンに滴った」 (Hachimitsu ga pan ni shitattata - Honey dripped onto the bread). Beyond nature and food, it's also used for bodily sensations. A common phrase is related to sweat: 「汗が額から滴っていた」 (Ase ga hitai kara shitattata - Sweat was dripping from my forehead). In more emotional contexts, tears can also be described as 滴る: 「彼女の頬を涙が滴った」 (Kanojo no hoho o namida ga shitattata - Tears dripped down her cheeks). You might also hear it in descriptions of artistic works, such as a painting where paint is intentionally made to drip, or in metaphorical uses to describe something overwhelming or intensely emotional. Even in less literal scenarios, like a leaky faucet, the sound or image of dripping water can be evoked by this verb. It’s a word that appeals to the senses, painting a clear picture of slow, steady liquid flow.
- Weather Descriptions
- Describing rain, dew, or melting snow.
- Culinary Contexts
- Talking about juices from meat, sauces, syrups, or melted ingredients.
- Bodily Fluids
- Referring to sweat, tears, or sometimes even blood.
- Figurative Language
- Used metaphorically for emotions or intense sensations.
朝露が葉から滴っていた。Asatsuyu ga ha kara shitattata.
肉汁が鉄板に滴り、良い香りがした。Nikujiru ga teppan ni shitattari, yoi kaori ga shita.
Learners might sometimes confuse 滴る (したたる - shitataru) with verbs that describe a more forceful or rapid flow of liquid. For instance, using 流れる (ながれる - nagareru), which means to flow, might be incorrect if the liquid is only falling in small, slow drops. 滴る specifically emphasizes the 'drop-by-drop' nature. Another common pitfall is using it for situations where liquid is absorbed rather than falling. For example, a sponge absorbing water doesn't 滴る; it absorbs. Conversely, something that is saturated and starts to release excess liquid might be described as 滴る. Misunderstanding the nuance between 'dripping' and 'flowing' is a frequent error. While both involve liquid movement, 滴る is much more specific about the manner of descent. For instance, a river flows (流れる), but a leaky faucet drips (滴る). Also, learners might incorrectly use it for solid objects that are breaking apart, as 滴る is exclusively for liquids. It's important to remember that the verb is about the movement of a fluid state. Lastly, some might overuse it in contexts where a simpler verb like 「落ちる」(ochiru - to fall) would suffice if the 'dripping' aspect isn't crucial. However, 滴る adds a specific visual and kinetic quality that 'ochiru' lacks. Always consider if the liquid is falling in distinct, small, and continuous drops when deciding to use 滴る.
- Confusing with '流れる' (nagareru)
- '流れる' means to flow, like a river or a stream, implying a continuous and often faster movement. 滴る is specifically for liquid falling in small drops.
- Confusing with '落ちる' (ochiru)
- '落ちる' is a general term for falling. 滴る adds the specific detail of falling in drops.
- Applying to Solids
- 滴る is strictly for liquids. It cannot be used for solid objects breaking or falling apart.
- Absorption vs. Dripping
- It describes liquid leaving a surface, not being absorbed into it.
Incorrect: 川が滴っている。(Kawa ga shitattatte iru.) Correct: 川が流れている。(Kawa ga nagareru.)
Incorrect: 石が滴っていた。(Ishi ga shitattata.) Correct: 石が落ちた。(Ishi ga ochita.)
While 滴る (したたる - shitataru) is quite specific, there are other Japanese verbs that describe liquid movement, each with its own nuance. The most common alternative is 流れる (ながれる - nagareru), meaning 'to flow'. This is used for liquids moving in a continuous stream, like a river, water from a faucet, or blood in veins. If the liquid is moving quickly or in a large volume, 流れる is the better choice. For example, 「川が流れている」 (Kawa ga nagareru - The river is flowing) is correct, whereas 「川が滴っている」 would be incorrect. Another related verb is 滲む (にじむ - nijimu), which means 'to bleed' or 'to soak into'. This is used when liquid spreads out, often into a porous material, like ink spreading on paper or a stain soaking into fabric. 「インクが紙に滲んだ」 (Inku ga kami ni nijinda - The ink bled into the paper). This is different from dripping, as the liquid is spreading rather than falling. 零れる (こぼれる - kobareru) means 'to spill'. This implies an accidental or excessive outpouring of liquid, often from a container. 「水がコップから零れた」 (Mizu ga koppu kara kobareru - Water spilled from the glass). This is a more sudden and less controlled movement than the gentle dripping of 滴る. Finally, 垂れる (たれる - tareru) is a verb that can sometimes overlap with 滴る, meaning 'to hang down' or 'to droop', and can also refer to liquids hanging or dripping from a point. However, 滴る specifically focuses on the falling drops, while 垂れる can describe the state of hanging liquid itself. For instance, 「鼻水が垂れている」 (Hanamizu ga tarete iru - My nose is running) is common, where the mucus is hanging and potentially dripping. When comparing 滴る and 垂れる, 滴る emphasizes the act of falling in drops, while 垂れる can describe the state of something hanging and potentially dripping. The key distinction lies in the emphasis: 滴る is about the falling action, while 垂れる can describe the state of hanging or a more general downward movement of liquid from a point.
- 滴る (shitataru)
- To drip; trickle (small, continuous drops).
- 流れる (nagareru)
- To flow (continuous stream, larger volume).
- 滲む (nijimu)
- To bleed, soak into, spread (liquid seeping into material).
- 零れる (kobareru)
- To spill (accidental or excessive outpouring).
- 垂れる (tareru)
- To hang down, droop; also can mean to drip (hanging liquid).
雨が屋根から滴っている。川が流れている。
インクが紙に滲む。水がコップから零れる。
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The character 滴 (teki) is composed of the radical 'water' (氵) and the phonetic component '啇' (tek). The phonetic component suggests the sound or action of striking or falling, which relates to the idea of drops hitting a surface.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing the 'ru' too strongly, making it sound like 'roo'. It should be a lighter flap.
- Confusing the 'shi' sound with 'chi' or 'su'.
- Not differentiating the short 'a' sounds clearly.
Difficulty Rating
B1 level reading requires understanding the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters. 滴る appears in common contexts like weather, food, and personal experiences, making it accessible for B1 learners. However, understanding its nuances in more complex or figurative contexts might push it towards B2.
At B1, learners can produce simple connected text. Using 滴る correctly in simple sentences describing everyday events is achievable. More complex sentence structures or idiomatic uses would require higher proficiency.
B1 speakers can deal with most situations likely to arise. Describing a dripping faucet or sweating would be within reach. Expressing more nuanced or poetic uses might be challenging.
B1 listeners can understand the main points of clear standard speech on familiar matters. Hearing 滴る in everyday conversations about weather or food should be manageable.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
The て-form for connecting actions or showing cause and effect.
氷が溶けて水が滴っている。(The ice is melting and water is dripping.)
The 〜ている form for ongoing actions.
雨が屋根から滴っている。(Rain is dripping from the roof.)
The 〜ていた form for past ongoing actions.
汗が額から滴っていた。(Sweat was dripping from my forehead.)
The 〜ように (yō ni) pattern for simile or manner.
彼の言葉は、まるで扉から滴る水のように、彼の心を動かした。(His words, like water dripping from a door, moved his heart.)
Causative form 〜させる (seru) to mean 'to cause to drip'.
彫刻家は、樹脂を滴らせた。(The sculptor let the resin drip.)
Examples by Level
水が落ちる。
Water falls.
雨が降る。
Rain falls.
汗が出る。
Sweat comes out.
雫が一つ。
One drop.
屋根から水。
Water from the roof.
ソースが落ちる。
Sauce falls.
涙が落ちる。
Tears fall.
氷が溶ける。
Ice melts.
雨が屋根から滴っている。
Rain is dripping from the roof.
Continuous action using ている.
汗が顔を滴った。
Sweat dripped down my face.
Past tense.
スープがスプーンから滴った。
The soup dripped from the spoon.
Past tense.
葉っぱから水が滴っていた。
Water was dripping from the leaves.
Past continuous action.
氷が溶けて水が滴っている。
The ice is melting and water is dripping.
Using て form to connect actions.
彼女の目から涙が滴っていた。
Tears were dripping from her eyes.
Past continuous action.
ソースが皿に滴った。
The sauce dripped onto the plate.
Past tense with destination particle に.
壁に水が滴りシミになった。
Water dripped on the wall and made a stain.
Using て form to show cause and effect.
雨が止んだ後も、軒下から水が滴っていた。
Even after the rain stopped, water was still dripping from under the eaves.
Expressing a continuous state after an event.
暑さのせいで、彼の額からは汗が絶えず滴っていた。
Due to the heat, sweat was constantly dripping from his forehead.
Using せいで for cause and 絶えず for continuously.
料理中、肉汁がフライパンに滴り、良い香りが漂ってきた。
While cooking, meat juice dripped into the frying pan, and a good aroma wafted.
Connecting two actions with て form, showing sequence and result.
溶けたチョコレートがケーキの縁から滴り落ちた。
The melted chocolate dripped down from the edge of the cake.
Using 滴り落ちる (shitari ochiru) for dripping down.
朝露が草の葉から一滴ずつ滴っていた。
Morning dew was dripping from the blades of grass, drop by drop.
Emphasizing 'drop by drop' with 一滴ずつ.
彼女の頬を伝う涙は、悲しみを物語るように滴っていた。
The tears running down her cheeks were dripping, as if telling a story of sadness.
Using 〜ように for simile/manner.
古い水道管からは、一晩中水が滴り続けていた。
Water had continued to drip from the old water pipe all night long.
Using 続けいる for ongoing continuation.
蒸し暑い日だったので、傘を畳むと服に汗が滴った。
It was a muggy day, so when I folded my umbrella, sweat dripped onto my clothes.
Describing a sequence of events.
長雨の影響で、古い家屋のあちこちから雨水が滴り落ちる音が絶えなかった。
Due to the prolonged rain, the sound of rainwater dripping from various parts of the old house was incessant.
Using 〜音 (oto) to focus on the sound, and 〜ない for incessant.
激しい運動の後、彼の体からは塩分を含んだ汗が数筋となって滴り落ちていた。
After intense exercise, sweat containing salt was dripping down from his body in several streams.
Using 数筋となって for 'in several streams'.
シェフは、ソースが完璧な粘度で鍋肌から滴る様子を注意深く観察していた。
The chef carefully observed the state of the sauce dripping from the side of the pot with perfect viscosity.
Using 〜様子 (yōsu) to describe the state/appearance.
古びた絵画では、顔料が時間の経過とともにゆっくりと滴り落ち、独特の質感を生み出していた。
In the aged painting, the pigment had slowly dripped down over time, creating a unique texture.
Using 〜とともに for 'over time', and 〜を生み出す for 'to create'.
早朝の森は、木々の葉や苔から滴る水滴の音で満たされていた。
The early morning forest was filled with the sound of water droplets dripping from the leaves and moss of the trees.
Describing a soundscape.
彼女の決意は、まるで固く閉ざされた扉から滴る水のように、少しずつ、しかし確実に彼の心を動かしていた。
Her determination was moving his heart little by little, but surely, like water dripping from a tightly shut door.
A simile comparing determination to dripping water.
洞窟の天井からは、長い年月をかけて形成された鍾乳石が、絶えず水滴を滴らせていた。
From the cave ceiling, stalactites formed over many years were constantly causing water drops to drip.
Using 滴らせる (shitara seru - causative form) to indicate something is causing the dripping.
その希少な香油は、特別な容器から一滴ずつ滴り落ちるように設計されており、その貴重さを際立たせていた。
The rare perfumed oil was designed to drip out drop by drop from a special container, highlighting its preciousness.
Using 〜ように設計されている for 'designed to'.
長雨による地盤の飽和状態は、斜面のいたるところから粘土質の土壌が滴り落ちる現象を引き起こしていた。
The saturated state of the ground due to the prolonged rain was causing a phenomenon where clayey soil was dripping from various points on the slope.
Using 〜現象 (genshō) for phenomenon, and emphasizing 'various points'.
激しい感情の奔流は、しばしば言葉にならない嗚咽となって彼の喉から滴り落ちるかのようだった。
The torrent of intense emotions was often as if inaudible sobs were dripping from his throat.
Metaphorical use, comparing emotions to dripping sobs.
その彫刻家は、意図的に彫り跡から少量の樹脂を滴らせることで、作品に生命感と時間の経過を感じさせる技法を用いた。
The sculptor employed a technique that made the artwork feel alive and show the passage of time by intentionally letting a small amount of resin drip from the carving marks.
Using causative 滴らせる and connecting it to artistic intent.
古代の文献によれば、その神聖な儀式では、特別な植物から抽出された液体が祭壇に滴り落ちるように配置されていたという。
According to ancient texts, in that sacred ritual, liquid extracted from a special plant was arranged to drip onto the altar.
Reporting information from historical texts.
彼の言葉は、まるで冷たい雨のように静かに、しかし確実に、彼女の心に疑念の種を滴らせていった。
His words, like cold rain, quietly but surely dripped seeds of doubt into her heart.
Metaphorical use of dripping to instill doubt.
長年の風雨に晒された石畳には、苔が繁殖し、そこから微量の水分が滴り落ちる様相を呈していた。
On the stone pavement exposed to years of wind and rain, moss had proliferated, presenting a scene where minute amounts of moisture dripped from it.
Using 〜様相を呈する (yōsō o tei suru) to describe the appearance.
その芸術家のインスタレーションは、溶けた蝋がキャンバスに滴り落ちる様を表現することで、儚さと美しさの二面性を探求していた。
The artist's installation explored the duality of transience and beauty by depicting melted wax dripping onto the canvas.
Describing an artistic exploration of themes.
過剰な期待は、しばしば失望という名の毒液となって、人の精神の奥底に静かに滴り続ける。
Excessive expectations often become a poisonous liquid called disappointment, quietly continuing to drip into the depths of one's psyche.
Metaphorical use of dripping poison to represent psychological impact.
長雨による土壌の飽和とそれに伴う浸食作用は、斜面を覆う粘土質の粒子が重力に抗えず、絶えず微細な水滴となって滴り落ちる様相を呈していた。
The saturation of the soil due to prolonged rain and the accompanying erosion caused the clayey particles covering the slope, unable to resist gravity, to constantly present a scene of dripping as fine water droplets.
Complex sentence structure, precise scientific/geological terminology.
彼の語り口は、まるで古井戸の底から汲み上げられた水のように、澱みなく、しかしどこか物悲しげに、聞く者の心に静かな諦念を滴らせていった。
His way of speaking, like water drawn from the bottom of an old well, flowed without stagnation, yet somehow mournfully, quietly dripping a sense of resignation into the listener's heart.
Highly metaphorical and evocative language, complex simile.
その抽象彫刻は、意図的に施された亀裂から、まるで生命の息吹であるかのように、微量の金属溶液が一定のリズムで滴り落ちることで、静的なフォルムに動的な次元を与えていた。
The abstract sculpture, by having a small amount of metallic solution drip at a regular rhythm from intentionally made fissures, as if it were the breath of life, gave a dynamic dimension to its static form.
Sophisticated vocabulary, artistic analysis, complex sentence construction.
古代の秘伝によれば、その霊薬は、月光の下で特別な器に注がれ、聖なるハーブのエキスが数時間かけて一点に滴り落ちるように調合されていたという。
According to ancient secret traditions, it is said that the elixir was poured into a special vessel under moonlight, and the extract of sacred herbs was compounded to drip onto a single point over several hours.
Referencing ancient traditions, precise timing and process description.
彼女の言葉は、雪解け水のように清冽でありながら、同時に、長年凍てついていた心の奥底に、融解の兆しとなる微かな希望の滴を滴らせていた。
Her words, while as clear and pure as melting snow, simultaneously dripped faint drops of hope, a sign of thawing, into the depths of her long-frozen heart.
Complex metaphor combining purity, thawing, and hope.
長年の風雪に晒された石仏の表面には、微細な亀甲状のひび割れが無数に生じ、そこから滲み出す水分が、まるで仏の涙のように静かに滴り落ちる様相を呈していた。
On the surface of the stone Buddha, exposed to years of wind and snow, countless fine龟甲-shaped cracks had formed, presenting a scene where the moisture seeping from them quietly dripped down like the tears of Buddha.
Detailed description of natural processes and metaphorical interpretation.
その現代美術家のインスタレーションは、融解し続ける氷塊から滴り落ちる水滴が、床に設置された数千個の反射板に当たり、光の万華鏡を創り出すことで、時間と変化の不可逆性を視覚的に訴求していた。
The contemporary artist's installation visually appealed to the irreversibility of time and change by having water droplets dripping from continuously melting ice blocks hit thousands of reflectors installed on the floor, creating a kaleidoscope of light.
Complex description of an art installation, focusing on visual impact and conceptual themes.
過剰な情報摂取は、しばしば精神の健康を蝕む毒液となって、個人の思考プロセスに静かに、しかし確実に、判断力の鈍化という形で滴り続ける。
Excessive information intake often becomes a poisonous liquid that erodes mental health, quietly but surely continuing to drip into an individual's thought processes in the form of dulled judgment.
Metaphorical use of dripping poison to represent cognitive decline due to information overload.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— It is raining, and the water is falling in drops from surfaces like roofs or leaves.
窓の外を見ると、雨が滴っているのが見えた。Mado no soto o miru to, ame ga shitattatte iru no ga mieta.When I looked outside the window, I could see that it was raining and dripping.
— Someone was sweating so much that drops of sweat were falling from their body.
運動で疲れて、額から汗が滴っていた。Undō de tsukarete, hitai kara ase ga shitattatte ita.I was tired from exercising, and sweat was dripping from my forehead.
— Sauce is falling in drops, often from a utensil or food item.
このパスタのソースは濃厚で、フォークからよく滴る。Kono pasuta no soosu wa nōkō de, fōku kara yoku shitataru.The sauce for this pasta is rich and often drips from the fork.
— Someone was crying, and tears were falling down.
悲しい映画を見て、彼女の目から涙が滴っていた。Kanashii eiga o mite, kanojo no me kara namida ga shitattatte ita.Watching a sad movie, tears were dripping from her eyes.
— To drip downwards, emphasizing the direction of the falling drops.
溶けたチョコレートがケーキから滴り落ちている。Toketa chokorēto ga kēki kara shitari ochite iru.Melted chocolate is dripping down from the cake.
— The action of dripping is ongoing and persistent.
古い水道管からは、一晩中水が滴り続けていた。Furui suidōkan kara wa, hitobanjū mizu ga shitari tsuzukete ita.Water continued to drip from the old water pipe all night long.
— The manner or appearance of something dripping.
シェフはソースが滴る様子を観察していた。Shefu wa soosu ga shitataru yōsu o kansatsu shite ita.The chef observed the way the sauce dripped.
— The sound made by dripping liquid.
雨の滴る音が静かな夜に響いていた。Ame no shitataru oto ga shizuka na yoru ni hibiite ita.The sound of dripping rain echoed in the quiet night.
— To the extent that it drips; very juicy or moist.
この果物は滴るほどの果汁を含んでいる。Kono kudamono wa shitataru hodo no kajū o fukunde iru.This fruit contains juice to the point of dripping.
— In a way that drips; describing the manner of dripping.
彼は悲しみを滴るように語った。Kare wa kanashimi o shitataru yō ni katatta.He spoke of his sadness as if dripping it.
Often Confused With
流れる means 'to flow' and implies a continuous stream, while 滴る specifically refers to liquid falling in small, discrete drops. Using 滴る for a river would be incorrect.
滲む means 'to bleed' or 'soak into', describing liquid spreading into a material. 滴る is about liquid falling from a point.
零れる means 'to spill', implying an accidental or excessive outpouring. 滴る is a more gentle and controlled process.
Idioms & Expressions
— Literally 'blood drips'. This idiom is used to describe someone who is extremely handsome, attractive, or in their prime. It implies a vibrant, almost overflowing vitality.
その俳優はまさに血も滴るような美しさだ。Sono haiyū wa masa ni chi mo shitataru yō na utsukushisa da.That actor has a beauty that literally drips with vitality.
Figurative/Literary— Literally 'to drip with tears'. This is a more descriptive phrase than a strict idiom, emphasizing extreme sadness or grief leading to constant crying.
彼女は悲しみのあまり、顔が涙で滴っていた。Kanojo wa kanashimi no amari, kao ga namida de shitattatte ita.She was so overcome with sadness that her face was dripping with tears.
Descriptive— Literally 'cold sweat drips'. This describes extreme nervousness, fear, or anxiety causing one to sweat profusely.
面接の時、緊張で冷や汗が滴った。Mensetsu no toki, kinchō de hiyase ga shitattata.During the interview, cold sweat dripped from me due to nervousness.
Common Expression— Literally 'oil drips'. This is used to describe food that is very oily or greasy, often implying it is delicious and rich.
このフライドチキンは油が滴るほどで、とても美味しかった。Kono furaido chikin wa abura ga shitataru hodo de, totemo oishikatta.This fried chicken was so oily it was dripping, and it was very delicious.
Culinary/Informal— Literally 'meat juice drips'. This phrase is used to describe perfectly cooked meat that is very juicy and flavorful.
ステーキは焼き加減が絶妙で、肉汁が滴っていた。Sutēki wa yaki kagen ga zetsumyō de, nikujiru ga shitattatte ita.The steak was cooked to perfection, and the meat juice was dripping.
Culinary— Literally 'drips like honey'. This describes something extremely sweet, precious, or delightful.
彼の甘い言葉は、まるで蜜のように滴っていた。Kare no amai kotoba wa, marude mitsu no yō ni shitattatte ita.His sweet words dripped like honey.
Figurative/Literary— To the point of dripping; emphasizing abundance or juiciness.
この果物は滴るほどの果汁を含んでいる。Kono kudamono wa shitataru hodo no kajū o fukunde iru.This fruit contains juice to the point of dripping.
Descriptive— Literally 'love drips'. This refers to someone showing a great deal of affection and care.
彼女は子供たちに愛情が滴るような眼差しを向けていた。Kanojo wa kodomotachi ni aijō ga shitataru yō na manazashi o mukete ita.She looked at her children with eyes dripping with affection.
Figurative— Literally 'rays of hope drip'. This is a poetic expression suggesting that glimmers of hope are slowly appearing or being introduced.
絶望的な状況でも、希望の光が滴ることがある。Zetsubō-teki na jōkyō demo, kibō no hikari ga shitataru koto ga aru.Even in desperate situations, rays of hope can drip through.
Poetic/Figurative— Literally 'silence drips'. This is a poetic way to describe an overwhelming or profound silence, as if the silence itself is falling in drops.
その部屋には、まるで静寂が滴るような深い沈黙が支配していた。Sono heya ni wa, marude seijaku ga shitataru yō na fukai chinmoku ga shihai shite ita.A deep silence, as if silence itself was dripping, dominated that room.
Poetic/FigurativeEasily Confused
Both verbs can describe liquid descending from a point.
滴る (shitataru) specifically emphasizes the falling of individual drops, often with a sense of continuity. 垂れる (tareru) can describe something hanging down and liquid coming off it, or a more general downward movement of liquid from a point. For example, while sweat might 滴る from the forehead, nasal mucus often 垂れる.
鼻水が<strong>垂れている</strong>が、雨は屋根から<strong>滴っていた</strong>。<br>Hanamizu ga <strong>tarete iru</strong> ga, ame wa yane kara <strong>shitattatte ita</strong>.<br>My nose is running, but the rain was dripping from the roof.
Both describe the movement of liquid.
流れる (nagareru) means 'to flow' and implies a continuous, often faster movement, like a river or water from a tap. 滴る (shitataru) is specifically for liquid falling in small, slow, continuous drops. You wouldn't say a river 滴る.
川は速く<strong>流れる</strong>が、蛇口からは水が<strong>滴っていた</strong>。<br>Kawa wa hayaku <strong>nagareru</strong> ga, jaguchi kara wa mizu ga <strong>shitattatte ita</strong>.<br>The river flows quickly, but water was dripping from the faucet.
Both involve something falling.
落ちる (ochiru) is a general term for 'to fall' (e.g., a stone falls, leaves fall). 滴る (shitataru) is more specific, referring to liquid falling in drops. While drops do fall, 滴る adds the nuance of slow, continuous dripping.
雨粒が窓に<strong>落ちた</strong>が、屋根からは水が<strong>滴っていた</strong>。<br>Amatsubu ga mado ni <strong>ochita</strong> ga, yane kara wa mizu ga <strong>shitattatte ita</strong>.<br>Raindrops fell on the window, but water was dripping from the roof.
Both involve liquid spreading or moving.
滲む (nijimu) means 'to bleed' or 'soak into', describing liquid spreading into a porous material (like ink on paper). 滴る (shitataru) is about liquid falling from a point, not spreading into something. A stain might 滲む after liquid has dripped.
インクが紙に<strong>滲んだ</strong>後、その上に水滴が<strong>滴った</strong>。<br>Inku ga kami ni <strong>nijinda</strong> ato, sono ue ni suiteki ga <strong>shitattata</strong>.<br>After the ink bled into the paper, water drops dripped onto it.
Both can describe liquid leaving a container or surface.
零れる (kobareru) means 'to spill', usually implying an accidental or excessive outpouring of liquid. 滴る (shitataru) is a more gentle, controlled, and continuous dripping.
コップから水が<strong>零れた</strong>が、蛇口からは水が<strong>滴っていた</strong>。<br>Koppu kara mizu ga <strong>kobareru</strong> ga, jaguchi kara wa mizu ga <strong>shitattatte ita</strong>.<br>Water spilled from the glass, but water was dripping from the faucet.
Sentence Patterns
[Subject] が [Source] から 滴る。
雨が屋根から<strong>滴る</strong>。
[Subject] が [Source] から 滴っていた。
汗が顔から<strong>滴っていた</strong>。
[Liquid] が [Object] に 滴る。
ソースが皿に<strong>滴った</strong>。
[Source] から [Liquid] が 滴り落ちる。
ケーキからチョコレートが<strong>滴り落ちる</strong>。
[Subject] が [Source] から 滴る ように...
彼の言葉は、希望が<strong>滴る</strong>ように優しかった。
「〜<strong>滴る</strong>」という音...
雨の<strong>滴る</strong>音が聞こえた。
[Subject] が [Source] から 滴らせる。
彫刻家は、意図的に樹脂を<strong>滴らせた</strong>。
〜ほどの [Noun] (to the point of dripping)
この果物は<strong>滴る</strong>ほどの果汁を含んでいる。
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Related
How to Use It
Common
-
Using 滴る for continuous flow.
→
Using 流れる (nagareru) for continuous flow.
Learners might confuse 滴る (to drip) with 流れる (to flow). If liquid is moving in a steady stream like a river, use 流れる. 滴る is specifically for small, discrete drops.
-
Using 滴る for solid objects.
→
Using 落ちる (ochiru) or breaking verbs for solids.
滴る is strictly for liquids. You cannot say a stone dripped; it fell (落ちた - ochita).
-
Confusing 滴る with 滲む (nijimu).
→
Using 滲む for liquid spreading into material.
滲む means 'to bleed' or 'soak into' (like ink on paper). 滴る is about liquid falling from a point, not spreading within a material.
-
Using 滴る for accidental spills.
→
Using 零れる (kobareru) for spills.
零れる means 'to spill', implying an accidental or excessive outpouring. 滴る describes a more controlled, gentle dripping.
-
Pronouncing the final 'ru' too strongly.
→
Pronouncing 'ru' as a light flap.
The 'ru' sound in Japanese verbs like 滴る is often a light flap of the tongue against the roof of the mouth, not a strong 'roo' sound as in English.
Tips
Focus on the Drops
Remember that 滴る specifically emphasizes the falling of liquid in small, distinct drops. If the liquid is flowing continuously like a river, use 流れる instead.
Sound Association
Associate the sound 'shi-ta-ta-ru' with the visual of a slow, steady drip, like from a leaky faucet or raindrops on a window. This auditory cue can help recall the meaning.
Nature and Food
You'll frequently encounter 滴る when reading about nature (rain, dew, sweat) or food (juicy fruits, sauces, meat drippings). These are great contexts to practice and reinforce its meaning.
Continuous Action
The 〜ている form (e.g., 滴っている) is very common with 滴る to describe an ongoing dripping action, emphasizing its persistence.
Beyond Literal
Be aware that 滴る can be used metaphorically to describe emotions or abstract concepts slowly affecting someone, like hope or doubt dripping into a heart.
Light 'ru'
Practice the pronunciation, ensuring the 'ru' sound at the end is a light flap of the tongue against the roof of your mouth, not a strong 'roo'.
滴る vs. 垂れる
While both can mean drip, 滴る focuses on the falling drops, whereas 垂れる can describe something hanging and dripping, or a more general downward movement. Think of sweat 滴る from the forehead but mucus 垂れる from the nose.
Related Nouns
Remember the noun 雫 (shizuku), meaning 'drop', which is the result of the action described by 滴る. This noun-verb connection can aid memorization.
Sentence Creation
Create your own sentences using 滴る in different contexts (weather, food, emotions) to solidify your understanding and usage.
Figurative Expressions
Explore idioms like '血も滴る' (chi mo shitataru) for 'extremely handsome' to see how the core meaning of 'dripping' extends to vivid figurative language.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a faucet that is broken and only drips. You can hear 'shi-ta-ta-ru, shi-ta-ta-ru' as the water drops. Or, think of 'shita' (under) and 'taru' (to be full), suggesting something so full it's dripping from underneath.
Visual Association
Picture a leaky roof on a rainy day, with water dripping steadily onto a bucket below. Visualize the individual drops forming and falling. Another image could be a juicy piece of fruit, like an orange, with juice slowly trickling down its sides.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to describe five different scenarios where something is dripping, using 滴る in your sentences. For example, 'The condensation from the cold drink was dripping onto the table.'
Word Origin
The word 滴る (shitataru) is believed to have originated from onomatopoeia related to the sound and action of dripping. The character 滴 (teki) itself means 'drip' or 'drop'. The verb form likely evolved from an older expression describing the sound or visual of liquid falling in small amounts.
Original meaning: The character 滴 (teki) historically represented the action of liquid falling drop by drop. The verb 滴る developed to describe this specific type of liquid movement.
JaponicCultural Context
The verb itself is neutral and descriptive. However, when used in contexts like tears or sweat, it can evoke emotions of sadness, exertion, or discomfort. Its poetic usage can convey beauty and tranquility.
In English, we use 'drip' or 'trickle' for similar actions. However, 'drip' can sometimes imply a more annoying or forceful fall, while 'trickle' is closer to the gentle nature of 滴る. The Japanese word often carries a more poetic or observational nuance.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Describing weather
- 雨が<strong>滴っている</strong>。
- 軒下から水が<strong>滴っていた</strong>。
- 朝露が葉から<strong>滴る</strong>。
Describing bodily fluids
- 汗が額から<strong>滴る</strong>。
- 冷や汗が<strong>滴った</strong>。
- 涙が頬を<strong>滴った</strong>。
Describing food and drink
- ソースがスプーンから<strong>滴る</strong>。
- 肉汁が<strong>滴っていた</strong>。
- この果物は<strong>滴る</strong>ほどの果汁だ。
Describing melting or leaks
- 氷から水が<strong>滴っている</strong>。
- 水道管から水が<strong>滴り続けている</strong>。
- 溶けたチョコレートが<strong>滴り落ちた</strong>。
Figurative or poetic descriptions
- 彼の言葉は希望を<strong>滴らせた</strong>。
- 静寂が<strong>滴る</strong>ような部屋。
- 彼女の愛情が<strong>滴っていた</strong>。
Conversation Starters
"Have you ever noticed how rain sounds when it's dripping from the roof?"
"What's the juiciest fruit you've ever eaten, where the juice was practically dripping?"
"When you exercise hard, do you sweat a lot, to the point where it drips?"
"Have you ever seen a painting where the paint looks like it's dripping?"
"What's a situation where you've seen tears dripping down someone's face?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a rainy day and the sounds and sights of water dripping. Use the verb 滴る.
Think about a time you were very hot or exerted yourself. Describe the sensation of sweat dripping. Use the verb 滴る.
Imagine a delicious dish you've had. Describe how the sauce or juices dripped from it. Use the verb 滴る.
Write a short poem or descriptive paragraph about morning dew dripping from leaves. Use the verb 滴る.
Reflect on a sad moment and describe the tears dripping. Use the verb 滴る.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions滴る (shitataru) describes liquid falling in small, continuous drops, like rain from eaves or sweat from a forehead. It emphasizes the individual drops and a slow, steady descent. 流れる (nagareru), on the other hand, means 'to flow' and refers to liquid moving in a continuous stream, like a river or water from a faucet. If the liquid is moving quickly or in a large volume, you would use 流れる. If it's slow and drop-by-drop, you use 滴る.
No, 滴る is exclusively used for liquids. You cannot use it to describe solid objects falling or breaking apart. For example, you would say a stone fell (石が落ちた - ishi ga ochita), not that it dripped.
Common examples include rain (雨), sweat (汗), tears (涙), sauce (ソース), juice from fruit (果汁), melting ice (溶けた氷), and water from a leaky faucet (水道管からの水). It can also be used metaphorically.
滴る itself is a neutral verb. Its politeness depends on the overall sentence structure and the verb endings used. For example, '滴ります' (shitari-masu) is a polite form, while '滴る' (shitataru) is the plain form.
The noun form related to the action of dripping is 滴り (shitatari), meaning 'dripping' or 'trickle'. The noun for a single drop is 雫 (shizuku).
Yes, like most Japanese verbs, 滴る can be conjugated into the past tense. The plain past tense is 滴った (shitattata), and the polite past tense is 滴りました (shitari-mashita).
This idiom literally means 'blood drips'. It's used to describe someone who is extremely handsome, attractive, or in their prime, implying a vibrant and overflowing vitality. It's a strong compliment.
滴る can be used metaphorically to describe emotions or abstract concepts that are slowly accumulating or affecting someone. For instance, 'hope dripping into one's heart' (希望が心に滴る - kibō ga kokoro ni shitataru) or 'words dripping with sadness' (悲しみが滴る言葉 - kanashimi ga shitataru kotoba).
滴る (shitataru) is the intransitive verb meaning 'to drip' (the liquid drips by itself). 滴らせる (shitaraseru) is the causative form, meaning 'to cause to drip' or 'to let drip'. For example, 'The faucet drips' (蛇口が滴る - jaguchi ga shitataru), but 'I let the water drip' (水を滴らせた - mizu o shitaraseta).
Yes, the onomatopoeia ポタポタ (potapota) is commonly used to represent the sound of dripping, and it's often used in conjunction with verbs like 落ちる (ochiru) or even implied when 滴る is used.
Test Yourself 10 questions
/ 10 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
滴る (shitataru) paints a vivid image of liquid falling slowly and continuously in small drops, like the persistent drip of rain or the slow trickle of sweat.
- The verb 滴る (shitataru) means to drip or trickle.
- It describes liquid falling in small, continuous drops.
- Commonly used for rain, sweat, or sauce.
Focus on the Drops
Remember that 滴る specifically emphasizes the falling of liquid in small, distinct drops. If the liquid is flowing continuously like a river, use 流れる instead.
Sound Association
Associate the sound 'shi-ta-ta-ru' with the visual of a slow, steady drip, like from a leaky faucet or raindrops on a window. This auditory cue can help recall the meaning.
Nature and Food
You'll frequently encounter 滴る when reading about nature (rain, dew, sweat) or food (juicy fruits, sauces, meat drippings). These are great contexts to practice and reinforce its meaning.
Continuous Action
The 〜ている form (e.g., 滴っている) is very common with 滴る to describe an ongoing dripping action, emphasizing its persistence.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More nature words
～上
B1Above; on top of; up.
〜の上
A2On top of, above, upon.
豊か
B1Abundant; rich; plentiful (na-adjective).
〜に従って
B1According to, in conformity with, as (something happens).
酸性雨
B1Acid rain.
営み
B1Activity; daily life; undertaking (e.g., life's activities).
順応する
B1To adapt; to adjust; to conform.
~を背景に
B1Against the backdrop of; with...as background.
空気
A2air
大気汚染
B1Air pollution; the presence of harmful substances in the air.
