Entry
パコパコ
pakopako
Represents a light, rhythmic tapping or hollow sound, often from typing, and is also used as a slang term.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
パコパコ (pakopako) is an onomatopoeia that primarily describes the sound of rhythmic, hollow tapping, most commonly the clicking sound of typing rapidly on a keyboard or hitting a plastic object. In contemporary Japanese slang, it is also used as a colloquial expression for adult intimacy, derived from the rhythmic nature of the sound.
- typing sound
- slang meaning
Sense Map
Tapping / Typing Sound
A light, hollow tapping sound, often associated with typing quickly on a keyboard or hitting something hollow and rigid.
キーボードをパコパコ叩く。
Slang
A slang expression for adult intimacy, originating from a rhythmic sound association.
若者の間でパコパコというスラングが使われる。
Usage Note
How to Use
パコパコと + verb
Used to modify action verbs, such as hitting or sounding, to indicate that the action produces a continuous hollow tapping noise.
パコパコする
Used as a verb to mean producing a tapping sound or, in slang contexts, to mean adult intimacy.
パコパコ + noun
Used to directly describe an object or sound characterized by this hollow noise.
How to Use
Common Phrases
キーボードをパコパコ叩く
to tap away at a keyboard
パコパコと音がする
to make a hollow tapping sound
パコパコ鳴る
to make a light tapping noise
パコパコする
to make a tapping sound / slang meaning
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Describing keyboard typing | Neutral to Casual | Describes the physical sound of hitting the keys rapidly, emphasizing a slightly cheap or hollow plastic noise. |
| Slang usage | Slang | A casual slang term used primarily in informal contexts or online. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
かたかた かたかた / similar | Use for the hard, dry clattering sound of a keyboard or thin objects. | パコパコ often implies a slightly more hollow, plasticky sound, though both are frequently used for typing. | キーボードをカタカタ鳴らす。 |
ぼこぼこ ぼこぼこ / similar | Use for bubbling liquids or deep, hollow thuds (like beating someone up). | ボコボコ is a much deeper, heavier, or liquid sound, whereas パコパコ is light, shallow, and rigid. | ボコボコに殴る。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using パコパコ in formal or professional settings to describe typing on a computer.
Avoid it in polite company as it is associated with slang for adult intimacy; use the word カタカタ or a standard verb instead.
Thinking it describes a heavy, booming crash.
It describes a light, hollow, plasticky tapping, not a heavy impact.
Examples
Examples
彼は一日中キーボードをパコパコと叩いている。
かれはいちにちじゅうキーボードをパコパコとたたいている。
He is tapping away at his keyboard all day long.
LiteralDescribes the rapid, hollow sound of hitting keyboard keys.
そのプラスチックの箱を押すと、パコパコと音がする。
そのプラスチックのはこをおすと、パコパコとおとがする。
When you press that plastic box, it makes a hollow tapping sound.
LiteralDescribes the sound of a hollow, slightly flexible object being pressed.
靴の底が剥がれて、歩くたびにパコパコと鳴る。
くつのそこがはがれて、あるくたびにパコパコとなる。
The sole of the shoe came off, making a flapping sound with every step.
LiteralThe sound of two detached parts flapping against each other.
スリッパを履いて歩くと、床がパコパコ鳴る。
スリッパをはいてあるくと、ゆかがパコパコなる。
When walking in slippers, the floor makes a light flapping or tapping sound.
LiteralThe sound of flat footwear flapping against the ground.
空き缶が風で転がってパコパコと音を立てた。
あきかんがかぜでころがってパコパコとおとをたてた。
The empty can rolled in the wind, making a hollow clanking sound.
LiteralHighlights the sound of a light, hollow object bumping around.
Similar Words
ボコボコ
bokoboko
Describes something full of dents or bumps, a heavy bubbling sound, or the act of beating someone up severely. A much deeper or heavier hollow sound.
キコキコ
kikokiko
Mimics a rhythmic, repetitive squeaking or creaking sound, typically produced by unlubricated or rusty metal parts.
コトコト
kotokoto
コトコト describes the sound of something simmering gently over low heat, or a light rattling and tapping noise.
カタカタ
katakata
A light, dry clattering or rattling sound made by small, hard objects. Harder and drier, commonly used for keyboard sounds.
Questions
Is it safe to use パコパコ to describe my typing at work?
No. Because it is used as a slang term, using it in professional settings could cause misunderstandings. It is safer to use カタカタ to describe typing sounds.
What kind of sound exactly is パコパコ?
It is a light, rhythmic, hollow sound, usually produced by hitting or tapping something made of plastic or a similar rigid but hollow material.
How is it different from ボコボコ (bokoboko)?
While both can describe hollow sounds, ボコボコ is much deeper and heavier, often associated with bubbling liquids or beating something up, whereas パコパコ is a light, rigid tapping.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2827827
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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