こまめに

こまめに
adverb
diligently; frequently; in small increments
1. diligently; frequently; attentively
Doing something regularly and carefully in small, consistent actions rather than all at once.
こまめに水分(すいぶん)()りましょう。
Make sure to drink water frequently.
こまめに()(あら)うことが大切(たいせつ)だ。
It's important to wash your hands frequently.
使(つか)わない部屋(へや)電気(でんき)はこまめに()すようにしている。
I make a habit of diligently turning off the lights in rooms I'm not using.

An adverb emphasizing doing something frequently, regularly, and in small careful actions. It implies a positive attitude of conscientiousness and attention to detail. Very commonly used in health advice, household tips, and energy-saving campaigns.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • こまめに水分補給(すいぶんほきゅう): frequent hydration
  • こまめに掃除(そうじ)する: to clean regularly
  • こまめに連絡(れんらく)する: to stay in touch regularly
  • こまめにチェック(ちぇっく)する: to check frequently
  • こまめに電気(でんき)()す: to diligently turn off lights

ETYMOLOGY:
Derived from こまめ (()忠実(まめ)), literally "small diligence." The word 忠実(まめ) means hardworking or diligent, and the () prefix adds the nuance of small, repeated actions.

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 頻繁(ひんぱん)に: frequently — more formal and neutral; doesn't carry the positive nuance of diligence
  • ちょくちょく: often, frequently — more casual and colloquial
  • 丁寧(ていねい)に: carefully, politely — focuses on quality of action rather than frequency