Entry
はらぺこ
harapeko
Harapeko describes the state of being completely famished or ravenously hungry.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
A casual expression used to describe an extremely empty stomach or the state of being ravenously hungry.
- extreme physical hunger
- a starving person or animal
Sense Map
Extreme Hunger
Used to express that one's stomach is completely empty and one is desperately in need of food.
はらぺこで倒れそうだ
Starving Modifier
Used with the particle 'no' to describe someone or something that is extremely hungry.
はらぺこの子供たち
Usage Note
How to Use
はらぺこだ
Used at the end of a sentence to declare that one is starving.
はらぺこになる
Expresses the transition into a state of extreme hunger.
はらぺこの
はらぺこで
How to Use
Common Phrases
はらぺこだ
is starving
はらぺこになる
to become famished
はらぺこで
being ravenously hungry
はらぺこの
starving (person/animal)
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Complaining to family about hunger | Casual and expressive | Perfect for emphasizing how desperately you need a meal right now. |
| Formal settings | Inappropriate | Sounds childish or overly informal when speaking to superiors. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぺこぺこ ぺこぺこ / similar | Used to describe the state of being hungry or the feeling of an empty stomach. Often used with 'onaka ga'. | 'Harapeko' can stand alone to express an empty stomach, whereas 'pekopeko' usually requires a subject. | お腹がぺこぺこだ。 |
空腹 くうふく / similar | Used in formal, medical, or written contexts to state that one's stomach is empty. | 'Harapeko' is very casual and conversational, while 'kuufuku' is formal and objective. | 空腹を感じる。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Saying 'お腹がはらぺこだ' (Onaka ga harapeko da).
Avoid adding 'onaka ga' (stomach is) because 'hara' already means stomach. Just say 'harapeko da' or 'onaka ga pekopeko da'.
Using it in a formal business meeting.
It is too casual. Use 'onaka ga sukimashita' or 'kuufuku desu' in formal settings.
Examples
Examples
もうはらぺこで、一歩も動けない。
もう はらぺこ で、 いっぽ も うごけない。
I'm already so hungry that I can't take another step.
LiteralShows extreme hunger to the point of completely losing energy.
学校から帰ってきた子供たちはみんなはらぺこだった。
がっこう から かえってきた こどもたち は みんな はらぺこ だった。
The children who came back from school were all famished.
LiteralA common use case describing hungry children eagerly waiting for food.
朝から何も食べていないので、はらぺこです。
あさ から なにも たべていない ので、 はらぺこ です。
I haven't eaten anything since the morning, so I'm starving.
LiteralExplains the cause of being extremely hungry in a direct way.
はらぺこで倒れそうだ。
はらぺこ で たおれ そうだ。
I'm so hungry I'm going to collapse.
FigurativeAn exaggerated way to emphasize the physical sensation of an empty stomach.
ずっと運動していたから、もうはらぺこだよ。
ずっと うんどう していた から、 もう はらぺこ だよ。
I've been exercising the whole time, so I'm completely starving now.
LiteralCommonly used after intense physical activity that drains energy.
Similar Words
Questions
What is the difference between harapeko and pekopeko?
Both mean very hungry. 'Peko-peko' is usually used in patterns like 'onaka ga pekopeko', while 'harapeko' can more directly describe someone who is famished.
Is harapeko an adjective?
Yes, use it in patterns like 'harapeko no kodomo' for a very hungry child. In conversation, 'harapeko da' is also common.
Can adults use this word?
Yes, adults use it frequently in casual conversations with friends and family, but it is too informal for polite or business situations.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 949191317
- Source
- Internal
- Source URL
- blog.kano.ac/2021/03/14/harapeko/
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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