Entry
ペッ
pe
ペッ (pe) is the onomatopoeia for the sound of spitting or an interjection used to express strong disgust and contempt.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word represents the physical sound of spitting something out of one's mouth, such as bad food or a seed. Figuratively, it serves as an interjection (similar to "phooey!", "bah!", or "yuck!") to reject an idea, show utter contempt for someone, or express deep disgust.
- sound of spitting
- expression of disgust or contempt
Sense Map
Spitting
The sound of suddenly spitting something out of the mouth.
スイカの種をペッと飛ばす
Disgust / Contempt
An interjection showing strong rejection, disdain, or disgust towards something or someone.
ペッ！ふざけるな
Usage Note
How to Use
ペッと
Used as an adverb to describe the action of spitting or throwing something out abruptly.
ペッペッと
A repeated form indicating spitting multiple times or a continuous sense of rejection.
ペッと + verb
Used as an adverb to describe the action of spitting or throwing something out abruptly.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ペッと吐き出す
to spit out
ペッと捨てる
to throw away with disgust
ペッペッと出す
to spit out repeatedly
思わずペッとする
to instinctively spit (something bad) out
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Physical action | neutral/negative | Describes the literal spitting of seeds, dirt, or bad-tasting food. |
| Emotional reaction | highly negative | Expresses severe disgust or disdain. It is basically the verbal equivalent of spitting at something. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
かーっ かーっ / similar | Used for the sound of clearing one's throat or hacking up phlegm. | カーッ is the preparation in the throat, while ペッ is the actual action of spitting it out from the mouth. | カーッ、ペッ |
ちぇっ ちぇっ / similar | Used for clicking one's tongue in annoyance or frustration. | チェッ shows mild to moderate annoyance, whereas ペッ is a much stronger expression of disgust and disrespect. | チェッ、失敗した |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it as a mild way to disagree.
It is an extremely strong and rude way to show contempt. Saying 'ペッ' in response to someone is highly insulting.
Confusing it with animal sounds.
This is strictly a human sound for spitting or an interjection of disgust, not a pet noise.
Examples
Examples
薬が苦くて、子供が思わずペッと吐き出した。
くすりが にがくて、こどもが おもわず ペッと はきだした。
The medicine was bitter, so the child instinctively spat it out.
LiteralShows the physical action of ejecting something bad-tasting from the mouth.
庭でスイカを食べながら、種をペッペッと飛ばした。
にわで スイカを たべながら、たねを ペッペッと とばした。
While eating watermelon in the yard, I kept spitting out the seeds.
VisualThe repetition (peppe) indicates the action of spitting is done multiple times.
「ペッ！あんな嘘つきの言うことなんか信じるか！」
「ペッ！あんな うそつきの いうことなんか しんじるか！」
"Phooey! Like I'd ever believe anything that liar says!"
FigurativeUsed as an expression of disgust and strong rejection towards someone.
砂あらしに遭って、口に入った砂をペッと吐き捨てた。
すなあらしに あって、くちに はいった すなを ペッと はきすてた。
Caught in a sandstorm, I spat out the sand that got into my mouth.
LiteralShows the action of clearing foreign objects (sand) from the mouth.
彼の卑怯なやり方には、心の中でペッと唾を吐きたい気分だ。
かれの ひきょうな やりかたには、こころの なかで ペッと つばを はきたい きぶんだ。
Seeing his cowardly methods makes me want to spit in disgust in my mind.
FigurativeA figurative use where the act of spitting symbolizes intense disgust and disdain.
Similar Words
カーッ
kaa
The sound of clearing the throat before spitting.
Questions
Is it okay to say ペッ in everyday conversation?
It is fine when describing a physical action (like a baby spitting out food). However, using it as an interjection against someone is extremely rude and should be avoided.
How does ペッ compare to "phooey" in English?
It functions very similarly to "phooey" or "bah" in expressing disgust or rejecting an idea, though ペッ carries a more literal association with the act of spitting.
What does ペッペッ mean?
It's the repeated form, indicating spitting out multiple times, like spitting out several seeds or thoroughly rejecting something.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2738610
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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