A liquid applicator having a discharge roller (3) that discharges a liquid fed from feeding means in a prescribed pattern. The liquid discharged from the discharge roller (3) is applied to a moving substrate (S). The discharge roller (3) includes a surface plate (31) and a roller main body (32). The roller main body (32) has on its peripheral portion a recess (33) of prescribed shape, in which a liquid is introduced through the inside of the roller main body (32) and spread along the surface of the surface plate (31). The surface plate (31) has, in its portion covering the recess (33), a liquid exit part (3b) that permits exit of the liquid in a pattern different from the opening shape of the recess (33) and a liquid block part (3c) that blocks passage of a liquid. The liquid exit part (3b) is formed of a porous material having a large number of fine pores.