1.
polka dot; polka dot pattern
A pattern of regularly spaced round dots, commonly used for fabric and design. The most frequent usage in modern Japanese.
水玉模様のスカート。
A polka dot skirt.
赤と白の水玉のワンピースを買った。
I bought a red and white polka dot dress.
彼女は水玉模様が好きで、ハンカチも傘も水玉だ。
She loves polka dots — both her handkerchief and umbrella are polka-dotted.
2.
drop of water; water droplet
A small, round drop of water, resembling a bead or ball.
葉の上に水玉が光っていた。
Water droplets were glistening on the leaves.
蜘蛛の巣に水玉がついていた。
There were water droplets on the spider web.
朝露の水玉が花びらの上で丸く輝いている。
Round morning dew droplets are shining on the petals.
USAGE:
In modern Japanese, 水玉 most commonly refers to polka dot patterns. The full form 水玉模様 (polka dot pattern) is often shortened to just 水玉 when the context is clear. The literal meaning of water droplets is less common but still used poetically.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 水玉模様 (polka dot pattern)
- 水玉の服 (polka dot clothes)
- 大きな水玉 (large polka dots)
- 小さな水玉 (small polka dots)