ちまちま

ちまちま
adverb, onomatopoeia
in small amounts, fiddly, petty
1. in small amounts, fiddly, bit by bit
Describes doing something in a small, meticulous, or tediously detailed way. Can carry a slightly negative nuance of being overly small-scale or petty.
ちまちま貯金(ちょきん)している。
I'm saving up little by little.
ちまちました作業(さぎょう)(つづ)く。
The fiddly work goes on and on.
ちまちま節約(せつやく)するより、収入(しゅうにゅう)()やすことを(かんが)えたほうがいい。
Rather than pinching pennies, it's better to think about increasing your income.

ちまちま is an onomatopoeia that describes actions done in a small, meticulous, or petty manner.

NUANCE:
Often carries a slightly negative or self-deprecating tone, implying that the effort is small-scale or tedious. However, it can also be used neutrally for careful, detail-oriented work.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • ちまちま()める: to save up bit by bit
  • ちまちまと作業(さぎょう)する: to do fiddly work
  • ちまちました(): tiny, cramped handwriting