Have you ever felt the first few raindrops before a shower?
Or noticed tiny spots gradually appearing on your skin?
That image of small things appearing little by little in Japanese is expressed as:
“Potsu Potsu” (ぽつぽつ)
Let’s hear how it sounds!
What is “Potsu Potsu” (ぽつぽつ)?
“Potsu Potsu” describes:
- Small things appearing one by one
- The first few raindrops beginning to fall
- Tiny spots scattered here and there
It often suggests something beginning gradually rather than all at once.
Pronunciation
poht-soo poht-soo
(Say it softly, like slow raindrops.)
Categories
Condition
What Does “Potsu Potsu” Look Like?
It looks like the first raindrops before a storm.
Small spots scattered across the skin.
Tiny lights appearing one after another in the evening.
How Do You Say It?
Say it gently:
Potsu potsu…
Like something quietly beginning to appear.
Examples in Daily Life
Example 1: The first raindrops
As the sky grew darker, the rain began to fall —
potsu potsu…
Only a few drops landed on the ground at first.
Example 2: Small spots on the skin
Tiny red spots began to appear on his arm —
potsu potsu…
He noticed them one by one.
Cultural Note
In English, you might say:
- “Here and there”
- “One by one”
- “Lightly starting”
But “potsu potsu” doesn’t simply describe quantity.
It beautifully captures the feeling of something appearing little by little, with small spaces in between.
It suggests:
A gradual beginning
Scattered appearance
Gentle progression
Compared with similar expressions:
- Shito Shito → steady, gentle rain
- Potsu Potsu → the first scattered drops or spots
- Zaa Zaa → heavy pouring rain
Watch & Feel the “Potsu Potsu” World!
Feel the “Potsu Potsu” — Raindrops
Try Using It!
When the first raindrops begin to fall…
When tiny spots appear here and there…
When something starts little by little…
Say it softly:
Potsu potsu…
Sometimes the smallest beginnings are the easiest to notice.
Comments