ちびちび

ちびちび
adverb
sipping, little by little
1. sipping, drinking little by little
Drinking slowly in small amounts, savoring.
日本酒(にほんしゅ)をちびちび()む。
To sip sake slowly.
ちびちび()んでいたら()めちゃった。
It got cold because I was sipping it slowly.
ちびちび使(つか)う。
To use sparingly.
Can also be used for careful use of resources

ちびちび is a mimetic word describing drinking or using something slowly in small amounts.

USAGE:

  • ちびちび()む: to sip slowly
  • ちびちび使(つか)う: to use sparingly

TYPICAL CONTEXTS:

  • Often used for savoring alcohol: 日本酒(にほんしゅ)をちびちび()
  • Can describe frugal use of resources

CONTRAST:

  • ちびちび: sipping slowly, little by little
  • ごくごく: gulping down quickly
  • がぶがぶ: drinking greedily

NUANCE:
Implies leisurely enjoyment or careful conservation, not rushed consumption.