Entry
パンパン
panpan
パンパン describes a sharp, dry sound like clapping or popping, as well as the state of being stuffed or filled to the point of bursting.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word has two very common uses. First, it represents a sharp, resonant sound, such as clapping hands, slapping a surface, or a small balloon popping. Second, it is widely used figuratively to describe a state where something is filled to its absolute limit, such as an overly full stomach after eating, a bag stuffed with items, or a completely packed schedule.
- sound of clapping or slapping
- state of a stomach or bag being stuffed
- a schedule that is completely packed
Sense Map
Sharp Sound (Clap/Pop)
Describes a loud, dry, and sharp sound, like clapping hands repeatedly, slapping, or a small pop.
手をパンパンと叩く
Stuffed / Bursting (Physical & Abstract)
Describes being filled to the absolute maximum capacity, such as a full stomach, a stuffed bag, or a packed schedule with no free time.
お腹がパンパンだ
Usage Note
How to Use
パンパンと + verb
Used with action verbs to describe making a sharp clapping or popping sound.
パンパンに + verb
Used to show a change into a bursting or overly full state, such as swelling or being packed.
パンパンだ
The predicate form used to declare that something is currently full or stuffed.
パンパンの + noun
Modifies a noun to describe an object that is filled to bursting.
How to Use
Common Phrases
手をパンパンと叩く
to clap hands sharply
お腹がパンパンだ
stomach is full/bursting
予定がパンパン
schedule is packed
カバンがパンパン
bag is stuffed full
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Clapping or slapping | neutral | Refers to a dry, sharp, echoing sound, often used to get someone's attention. |
| Being stuffed or full | neutral or slightly negative | Implies being filled to the absolute limit, which can convey discomfort if referring to eating too much. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぱつぱつ ぱつぱつ / similar | Used when clothing is too tight and pulling tightly at the seams. | パンパン focuses on the overall volume expanding (like a balloon or stomach), while パツパツ emphasizes the tightness of the fabric or covering. | 服がパツパツだ |
ばんばん ばんばん / similar | Used for an action done repeatedly and vigorously (e.g., hitting hard, spending money recklessly). | バンバン focuses on a repeated, aggressive action, whereas パンパン can just be a sharp clap or a static state of being completely full. | 机をバンバン叩く |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using パンパン to mean 'I am busy' directly (e.g., 私はパンパンだ).
It must be applied to the schedule (予定) or tasks, not the person. Say 予定がパンパンだ instead.
Using パンパン for massive explosions like a bomb.
It is suited for dry, relatively small pops or claps. For huge, heavy explosions, use ドカン (dokan).
Examples
Examples
彼は手をパンパンと叩いてみんなの注意を引いた。
かれ は て を パンパン と たたいて みんな の ちゅうい を ひいた。
He clapped his hands loudly to get everyone's attention.
LiteralDescribes the sharp, echoing sound of clapping.
食べすぎてお腹がパンパンだ。
たべすぎて おなか が パンパン だ。
My stomach is completely stuffed from eating too much.
VisualA very common expression for being overly full after a meal.
荷物を詰め込んでカバンがパンパンになっている。
にもつ を つめこんで カバン が パンパン に なっている。
The bag is stuffed to bursting with luggage.
VisualShows a bag bulging because it is at maximum capacity.
今週は仕事の予定がパンパンだ。
こんしゅう は しごと の よてい が パンパン だ。
My work schedule is totally packed this week.
FigurativeA figurative use for time or schedules that have no empty slots.
風船がパンパンに膨らんでいる。
ふうせん が パンパン に ふくらんでいる。
The balloon is inflated to the point of bursting.
VisualFocuses on the physical tension right before a breaking point.
Similar Words
バンバン
banban
Used for repeated forceful hitting actions.
パツパツ
patsupatsu
Describes a state of being stretched to the absolute limit, such as tight clothing bursting at the seams or a completely packed schedule. Used when clothes are too tight.
ポン
pon
ポン describes a light, resonant sound like a pop or a gentle tap, and is also used as an affectionate nickname suffix.
パタン
patan
Represents the light, sharp sound of a flat object closing, or something abruptly coming to a stop.
Questions
Can I use panpan to say my schedule is packed?
Yes, 'yotei ga panpan' is an extremely common way to express that you have no free time in your schedule.
What is the difference between panpan and patsupatsu?
Patsupatsu is mostly used for clothes fitting too tightly, while panpan is for anything filled to its volume limit, like a stomach or bag.
Does panpan always refer to a sound?
No. While it originally means a clapping or popping sound, it is just as frequently used metaphorically for things that are stuffed to bursting.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1010460
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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