1.
grain, granule, particle
A small hard piece of something, like a grain of rice or sand.
この米は粒が大きい。
This rice has large grains.
一粒も残さず食べなさい。
Eat every single grain without leaving any.
砂の粒が靴の中に入った。
Grains of sand got into my shoes.
このイチゴは粒が大きくて甘い。
These strawberries are large and sweet.
2.
drop, bead
A small round drop of liquid.
汗の粒が額に浮かんでいた。
Beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.
雨の粒が窓に当たる。
Raindrops hit the window.
涙の粒が頬を伝って落ちた。
Teardrops rolled down her cheeks.
朝露の粒が葉の上で光っていた。
Drops of morning dew were glistening on the leaves.
大粒の雨が降り出して、あっという間にびしょ濡れになった。
Large drops of rain started falling, and I was soaked in no time.
粒 refers to small, often spherical particles or grains.
COMMON EXPRESSIONS:
- 一粒 (one grain/drop)
- 粒ぞろい (uniformly high quality, lit: grains well-matched)
- 米粒 (grain of rice)
- 涙の粒 (teardrops)
- 汗の粒 (beads of sweat)
COUNTING:
- 一粒、二粒、三粒... (one grain, two grains, three grains...)
- Also counted with 粒 as a counter: 1粒、2粒...