ちょびちょび

ちょびちょび
adverb
little by little; bit by bit; in small amounts
1. little by little; bit by bit; in small amounts
Doing something in very small, gradual increments. Often implies a careful, cautious, or stingy approach.
ちょびちょび()む。
To sip little by little.
貯金(ちょきん)をちょびちょび使(つか)っている。
I'm spending my savings little by little.
(たか)いウイスキーをちょびちょびと(あじ)わいながら、(よる)時間(じかん)(たの)しんだ。
I enjoyed the evening, savoring the expensive whiskey bit by bit.

An onomatopoeic (gitaigo) adverb expressing very small, incremental actions. Often used for drinking, eating, or spending money in tiny amounts. Has a casual, slightly humorous tone.

COMMON PATTERNS:

  • ちょびちょび()む: to sip in small amounts
  • ちょびちょび()べる: to eat in tiny bites
  • ちょびちょび使(つか)う: to use/spend little by little
  • ちょびちょびと: variant with particle と

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • ちびちび: sipping slowly — very similar, especially for drinking
  • (すこ)しずつ: gradually — more neutral, standard expression
  • こつこつ: steadily — implies diligent, persistent effort