Definitions

(verb) to drip; to drop
(noun) drop (of liquid)

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the sound and represents the meaning.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

滴 is a phono-semantic compound used as both a noun for a single drop of liquid and a verb meaning to drip. Its semantic component is 水 (shuǐ), appearing as the three-drop water radical 氵 on the left, which ties the character to water or fluids. The phonetic component on the right is 啇 (dí), providing its pronunciation. The character conveys the physical action of liquid falling in small, separate drops. It consistently describes the dripping of rain, sweat, tears, or other fluids, and also functions as a measure word for small, discrete quantities of liquid dispensed one drop at a time.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

在石头上。

shuǐ dī dī zài shí tóu shang.

Water drips onto the stone.

雨水从屋檐下。

yǔ shuǐ cóng wū yán dī xià.

Rainwater drips from the eaves.

眼药水。

qǐng dī jǐ dī yǎn yào shuǐ.

Please put a few drops of eye drops.

他听到时钟的答声。

tā tīng dào shí zhōng de dī dā shēng.

He heard the ticking sound of the clock.

她的眼泪一地落下。

tā de yǎn lèi yī dī yī dī de luò xià.

Her tears fell drop by drop.

这种灌技术非常节水。

zhè zhǒng dī guàn jì shù fēi cháng jié shuǐ.

This drip irrigation technology is very water-saving.

医生仔细分析着每一血液样本。

yī shēng zǐ xì fēn xī zhe měi yī dī xuè yè yàng běn.

The doctor carefully analyzes every drop of the blood sample.

这个实验要求试剂的剂量精确到每一

zhè ge shí yàn yāo qiú shì jì de jì liàng jīng què dào měi yī dī.

This experiment requires the dosage of the reagent to be precise to every drop.