Entry
ベコベコ
bekobeko
Describes a flexible stiff surface being dented, or someone acting in a highly servile and obsequious manner.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
A mimetic word representing the state or sound of thin but stiff materials like metal or plastic bending and denting. Metaphorically, it describes someone bowing repeatedly in an overly servile, sycophantic, or obsequious way to seek favor.
- dented or buckled surfaces
- obsequious bowing
Sense Map
Dented Surfaces
Describes stiff but flexible materials like thin metal or plastic caving in, yielding, or buckling under pressure.
ベコベコに凹んだ車
Obsequious Attitude
Describes an excessively submissive or servile attitude, often accompanied by repeated and pathetic bowing.
上司にベコベコする
Usage Note
How to Use
ベコベコになる
Means to become badly dented, used to describe the physical state of damaged objects.
ベコベコに凹む
Combines with the verb meaning to dent in order to emphasize widespread or extreme denting.
ベコベコする
Acts as a verb meaning to repeatedly bow in an obsequious or overly submissive manner.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ベコベコに凹む
to be badly dented
車がベコベコだ
the car is completely dented
上司にベコベコする
to kowtow to one's boss
頭をベコベコ下げる
to bow repeatedly in a servile manner
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Describing damaged items | neutral to negative | Implies the item has visibly lost its structural shape due to pressure. |
| Describing someone's behavior | negative | Shows clear contempt or disdain for someone acting without spine or dignity. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぺこぺこ ぺこぺこ / similar | Use for lighter, everyday apologizing, polite bowing, or feeling hungry. | Does not carry the same heavy negative judgment of servility as bekobeko. | ペコペコ謝る |
ぼこぼこ ぼこぼこ / similar | Use for surfaces that are uneven, lumpy, battered, or full of holes and multiple dents. | Focuses on roughness or unevenness rather than a flexible sheet caving in. | ボコボコの道 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using bekobeko to express that you are hungry.
Unlike pekopeko, bekobeko is never used to mean hungry.
Using bekobeko to describe polite business bows.
Bekobeko sounds extremely servile and critical; use it only when describing pathetic or excessive kowtowing.
Examples
Examples
車を壁にぶつけて、ドアがベコベコに凹んでしまった。
くるまをかべにぶつけて、ドアがベコベコにへこんでしまった。
I hit my car against the wall, and the door got badly dented.
VisualEmphasizes the severity of the damage to the car door.
空き缶を踏んづけてベコベコにした。
あきかんをふんづけてベコベコにした。
I stomped on the empty can and crushed it.
VisualDescribes the deformation of a hollow object made of thin material due to physical pressure.
彼は社長の前ではいつもベコベコしている。
かれはしゃちょうのまえではいつもベコベコしている。
He is always kowtowing in front of the company president.
FigurativeShows a lack of respect for the person behaving in such a servile way.
買ったばかりの自転車が倒れて、カゴがベコベコだ。
かったばかりのじてんしゃがたおれて、カゴがベコベコだ。
My newly bought bicycle fell over, and the basket is badly dented.
VisualUsed as a final state description for physical damage on an everyday object.
相手の機嫌を取ろうと、頭をベコベコ下げる。
あいてのきげんをとろうと、あたまをベコベコさげる。
Lowering one's head repeatedly to curry favor with the other person.
FigurativeDescribes a physical action performed with a highly self-deprecating attitude.
Similar Words
ペコペコ
pekopeko
A word describing extreme hunger, the act of bowing repeatedly in a subservient manner, or thin objects easily denting. Lighter variant; used for polite bowing or feeling hungry, without the heavy negative servility.
ボコボコ
bokoboko
Describes something full of dents or bumps, a heavy bubbling sound, or the act of beating someone up severely. Focuses on an uneven, battered surface covered in multiple dents or holes rather than a buckling flat sheet.
ぺこん
pekon
Pekon or pekori describes the hollow popping sound of thin metal or plastic denting, or the quick, light action of bowing one's head.
Questions
Can I say my stomach is bekobeko when I am starving?
No, you must use pekopeko for hunger. Bekobeko only applies to dented objects or servile behavior.
Is bekobeko a bad word?
When describing objects, it is neutral. When describing a person's behavior, it is derogatory and critical.
What is the difference between bekobeko and bokoboko for cars?
Bekobeko implies the metal panels are pushed in or buckled over a large area. Bokoboko implies the surface is uneven, battered, or full of multiple smaller dents.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1629780
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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