Entry
ペコペコ
pekopeko
A word describing extreme hunger, the act of bowing repeatedly in a subservient manner, or thin objects easily denting.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
Pekopeko is a highly versatile onomatopoeia most commonly known for expressing a starving or empty stomach. Beyond hunger, it vividly describes the social action of bowing repeatedly to superiors in a fawning or overly apologetic manner. It is also used physically to describe thin, hollow materials (like plastic bottles or thin metal) buckling or denting under pressure.
- Extreme physical hunger.
- Obsequious, repeated bowing.
- The buckling or denting of thin materials.
Sense Map
Hunger (Physical)
Describes an empty stomach and the sensation of being extremely hungry or starving.
お腹がペコペコだ。
Subservience (Social)
Describes bowing repeatedly, often to apologize or curry favor with someone in a higher position.
上司にペコペコする。
Denting (Material)
Describes thin or hollow objects denting or buckling under light pressure.
ペットボトルがペコペコへこむ。
Usage Note
How to Use
ペコペコだ
Used with the copula だ or です to state a condition, almost exclusively with お腹 (stomach) to mean 'starving'.
ペコペコする
Used as a verb to mean 'to act obsequiously' or 'to bow repeatedly'.
ペコペコ（と）+ verb
Acts as an adverb modifying an action, such as apologizing or lowering one's head repeatedly.
ペコペコしている
How to Use
Common Phrases
お腹がペコペコだ
stomach is starving
ペコペコ頭を下げる
to bow one's head repeatedly
ペコペコへこむ
to dent easily
ペコペコ謝る
to apologize profusely while bowing
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Hunger | Neutral | Very casual; standard expression for kids and adults alike to say they are famished. |
| Social behavior | Negative | Criticizes behavior as weak, overly compliant, or lacking self-respect. |
| Material properties | Neutral | Clinically describes the tactile or auditory sensation of thin plastic or metal buckling. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
べこべこ べこべこ / similar | Use when describing thicker or larger metal/objects that are severely dented, crumpled, or damaged. | Pekopeko implies light, thin materials that pop in and out easily, whereas bekobeko sounds heavier and more permanent. | 車がベコベコにへこむ。 |
ぺこん ぺこん / similar | Use for a single, quick action: one quick bow of the head, or a single pop/dent of a surface. | Pekopeko denotes a repeated action or continuous state, while pekon happens only once. | ぺこんと頭を下げる。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Assuming pekopeko only means 'hungry'.
While common for hunger, you will frequently hear it in dramas or offices to describe someone 'kissing up' to the boss.
Using it to describe a sincere, respectful apology.
Pekopeko has a negative connotation of groveling. You should not use it to describe a respectful bow or a dignified apology.
Examples
Examples
朝ご飯を食べていないので、もうお腹がペコペコだ。
あさごはんを たべていないので、もう おなかが ペコペコだ。
Since I haven't eaten breakfast, my stomach is already starving.
LiteralThe most common usage for describing an empty, starving stomach.
彼はいつも社長に対してペコペコしている。
かれは いつも しゃちょうに たいして ペコペコしている。
He is always acting obsequiously toward the company president.
FigurativeDescribes overly submissive behavior used to curry favor.
この空き缶は薄いので、押すとペコペコへこむ。
この あきかんは うすいので、おすと ペコペコ へこむ。
Because this empty can is thin, it dents easily when pressed.
VisualShows the flexibility of thin material giving in under pressure.
お客様にペコペコと何度も頭を下げる。
おきゃくさまに ペコペコと なんども あたまを さげる。
Bowing one's head repeatedly in a subservient manner to the customer.
VisualVisualizes someone bowing continuously, usually in apology.
一日中歩き回って、ペコペコの状態だ。
いちにちじゅう あるきまわって、ペコペコの じょうたいだ。
After walking around all day, I am in a state of extreme hunger.
LiteralExplains a condition of exhaustion accompanied by extreme hunger.
Similar Words
ベコベコ
bekobeko
Describes a flexible stiff surface being dented, or someone acting in a highly servile and obsequious manner. Used for more severe dents or buckling on thicker materials.
ぺこん
pekon
Pekon or pekori describes the hollow popping sound of thin metal or plastic denting, or the quick, light action of bowing one's head. A single bow or a single pop/dent.
Questions
Can I just say 'pekopeko desu' without mentioning my stomach?
Yes, in context, saying 'Mou pekopeko desu' (I'm starving) is completely natural, though 'onaka ga pekopeko' is the most complete standard phrase.
Is it polite to say I am 'pekopeko' to my boss?
It is a bit casual and slightly childish. While fine for friendly colleagues, you might want to use 'Onaka ga sukimashita' (I'm hungry) in more formal situations.
Does pekopeko represent a sound?
When used for materials, it can represent the light popping or crinkling sound of a thin plastic bottle or can being squeezed.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1011540
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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