Translation guide
The sound of light, quick, repeated taps, like rain or small footsteps. In Japanese, this is expressed through onomatopoeia, which varies based on what is making the sound.
Describe the gentle, rhythmic sound of raindrops falling.
Describe the light, quick steps of a child or small animal.
Express the rapid, fluttering sound of a heartbeat due to emotion.
Japanese onomatopoeia often function as adverbs and are frequently followed by the particle と (to) and a verb. For example, ぽつぽつと降る (potsupotsu to furu) means 'to fall in a pitter-patter'. In casual speech, と can be omitted.
雨がぽつぽつ降っている。
It's raining pitter-patter.
ぽつぽつ is for distinct, light drops (pitter-patter). しとしと is for a soft, steady drizzle. ざあざあ is for heavy, pouring rain. Choose based on intensity and rhythm.
ぽつぽつ：小雨が降り始めた。
Pitter-patter: Light rain started falling.
The most common onomatopoeia for light, intermittent rain. It can also describe sparse dots or spots.
雨がぽつぽつ降り始めた。
It started to rain pitter-patter.
Similar to ぽつぽつ but emphasizes the intermittent, spaced-out nature of the drops. Often used for the very beginning of rain.
ぽつりぽつりと雨が降り出した。
Rain started falling pitter-patter, drop by drop.
Describes gentle, steady, quiet rain. It implies a soft, continuous sound rather than distinct taps. Often used for drizzling rain.
しとしとと雨が降っている。
It's raining softly with a pitter-patter sound.
Represents light, flapping or pattering sounds, such as small feet running or slippers flapping. It conveys a sense of quick, repeated motion.
子供がぱたぱたと廊下を走った。
The child ran pitter-patter down the hallway.
Describes small, quick, scurrying steps, often with a cute or busy connotation. Used for children or small animals moving around.
子犬がちょこちょこついてきた。
The puppy followed me with a pitter-patter of tiny steps.
Indicates a light, steady, toddling walk, typical of a small child. It has a gentle, unhurried feel.
赤ちゃんがとことこ歩いている。
The baby is toddling along with a pitter-patter.
The standard onomatopoeia for a pounding or throbbing heart, often from excitement, nervousness, or anticipation. It implies a strong, noticeable beat.
胸がどきどきして眠れない。
My heart is going pitter-patter and I can't sleep.
A noun derived from the verb ときめく, referring to the fluttering or throbbing of the heart due to romance or joy. It has a poetic, positive nuance.
初恋のときめきを覚えている。
I remember the pitter-patter of my first love.
しとしと：一日中しとしと降っている。
Drizzle: It's been drizzling all day.
ざあざあ：外はざあざあ降りだ。
Pouring: It's pouring outside.
しとしと：一日中しとしと降っている。
Drizzle: It's been drizzling all day.
ざあざあ：外はざあざあ降りだ。
Pouring: It's pouring outside.