Entry
ぺちゃぺちゃ
pechapecha
The wet sound of eating or lapping up liquids, or the sound of people chatting noisily and continuously.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
The word ぺちゃぺちゃ (pechapecha) primarily describes two things. First, it represents the wet, smacking sounds made when eating juicy foods, chewing gum, or when an animal laps up water. Second, it is used to describe the continuous, and often annoying, sound of people chattering, prattling, or gossiping.
- Noisy chatting
- Wet eating or drinking sounds
Sense Map
Chattering
Used to describe people talking continuously, often gossiping or speaking too loudly.
ぺちゃぺちゃと喋る
Eating/Drinking
The wet, smacking sound made when lapping up liquid or chewing food noisily.
水をぺちゃぺちゃ飲む
Usage Note
How to Use
ぺちゃぺちゃ（と）喋る
ぺちゃぺちゃ（と）食べる
ぺちゃぺちゃする
Used as a standalone verb meaning 'to chat away' or 'to make a smacking sound'.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ぺちゃぺちゃと喋る
to chatter on and on
ぺちゃぺちゃと食べる
to eat with a smacking sound
水をぺちゃぺちゃ飲む
to lap up water noisily
ぺちゃぺちゃする
to chat; to gossip
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Animals drinking | neutral | Perfectly normal for describing a dog or cat lapping up water. |
| Humans eating | negative | Implies eating with one's mouth open or making smacking sounds, which is considered rude. |
| People talking | neutral to negative | Often used critically when people are gossiping or talking loudly in a place where they should be quiet. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぺちゃくちゃ ぺちゃくちゃ / similar | Used exclusively for the sound of continuous, noisy chatting or gossiping. | Unlike ぺちゃぺちゃ, it cannot be used to describe the wet sounds of eating or drinking. | ぺちゃくちゃ喋る |
ぺろぺろ ぺろぺろ / similar | Used when licking something repeatedly. | Focuses on the physical motion of the tongue licking something, rather than the loud, wet slurping or smacking noise. | アイスをペロペロ舐める |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it to describe a formal or serious conversation.
This word implies idle gossip, frivolous chatter, or annoying noise.
Using it for crunchy foods.
It is strictly for wet, juicy foods, gum, or liquids.
Examples
Examples
犬が美味しそうに水をぺちゃぺちゃと飲んでいる。
いぬが おいしそうに みずを ぺちゃぺちゃと のんでいる。
The dog is lapping up water noisily as if enjoying it.
LiteralDescribes the typical sound of an animal lapping up liquids.
女子高生たちがカフェで何時間もぺちゃぺちゃ喋っている。
じょしこうせいたちが カフェで なんじかんも ぺちゃぺちゃ しゃべっている。
The high school girls have been chattering continuously at the cafe for hours.
LiteralFocuses on endless, continuous chatting.
食事中にぺちゃぺちゃ音を立てないでください。
しょくじちゅうに ぺちゃぺちゃ おとを たてないで ください。
Please do not make smacking sounds while eating.
LiteralA reminder about good table manners.
授業中に後ろの席でぺちゃぺちゃするな。
じゅぎょうちゅうに うしろの せきで ぺちゃぺちゃするな。
Don't chatter in the back seats during class.
LiteralUses the verb form (suru) for a prohibition against chatting.
彼はいつもガムをぺちゃぺちゃ噛む癖がある。
かれは いつも ガムを ぺちゃぺちゃ かむ くせが ある。
He has a habit of always chewing gum with a loud smacking sound.
LiteralDescribes an annoying chewing habit.
Similar Words
ぺちゃくちゃ
pechakucha
Describes the sound or state of people chattering continuously and lively, sometimes noisily. Strictly for noisy chattering.
ペロペロ
peropero
This word describes the action of repeatedly licking something or gobbling up food very quickly. Focuses on the licking motion.
Questions
Can I use ぺちゃぺちゃ for slurping ramen?
No. Slurping noodles is expressed with 'zuzu'. ぺちゃぺちゃ is for smacking lips or lapping liquids like a dog.
Are ぺちゃぺちゃ and ぺちゃくちゃ interchangeable?
When talking about chattering, yes, they are very similar. However, only ぺちゃぺちゃ can be used for eating and drinking sounds.
Is it rude to tell someone they are doing ぺちゃぺちゃ?
Yes. If you tell someone they are eating ぺちゃぺちゃ, you are directly calling out their bad table manners.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2121740
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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