Entry
ペンペン
penpen
Represents the sound of a light smack, most commonly associated with spanking a child's bottom, or the plunking sound of a shamisen.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word describes the flat, light sound of an open hand smacking a surface. Its most common everyday usage is to refer to giving a child a mild spanking as discipline. Additionally, it mimics the distinctive plunking sound of the traditional Japanese shamisen being played, and is often used by children as a noun to refer to the instrument itself.
- A light smack or spanking
- The sound or name of a shamisen
Sense Map
Smacking & Spanking
Used for the sound of an open hand lightly slapping a surface, usually referring specifically to spanking a child's bottom as mild discipline.
悪いことをするとお尻をペンペンするよ。
Shamisen Sound
Mimics the sound of the thick strings of a shamisen being struck with a plectrum. It can also be used as a childish noun for the instrument itself.
三味線がペンペンと聞こえてくる。
Usage Note
How to Use
ペンペンする
Functions as a verb meaning to give a spanking or to smack lightly.
ペンペンと + verb
Acts as an adverb modifying how someone smacks something or how an instrument sounds.
お尻をペンペンする
A common set phrase literally meaning to spank the bottom.
How to Use
Common Phrases
お尻をペンペンする
to spank the bottom
ペンペンと叩く
to smack lightly
ペンペンと鳴る
to make a plunking sound
ペンペンと払う
to brush off with light smacks
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Disciplining children | neutral | Implies a mild warning smack on the bottom, not actual violence. |
| Musical instruments | positive | Gives a rustic, traditional feel, or reflects a child's perception of the sound. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぽん ぽん / similar | Use for a very light, friendly tap on the shoulder or the sound of a hollow, light object. | Lacks the disciplinary nuance of penpen. | 肩をポンと叩く。 |
ばちん ばちん / contrast | Use for a hard, stinging slap or a forceful flat impact. | Penpen is light and playful, whereas bachin is a forceful, painful slap. | ほおをばちんと打つ。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it to describe slapping an adult in anger.
Penpen is too childish and mild. For a serious slap in the face, words like pashin or bachin are used.
Calling a standard guitar penpen.
While both are strummed, penpen is specifically associated with the unique plunk of the Japanese shamisen.
Examples
Examples
悪いことをするとお尻をペンペンするよ。
わるいことをするとおしりをペンペンするよ。
If you do something bad, you'll get a spanking.
LiteralThe most common usage, representing a mild disciplinary threat to a child.
彼はふざけて友達の背中をペンペンと叩いた。
かれはふざけてともだちのせなかをペンペンとたたいた。
He jokingly smacked his friend's back.
LiteralIndicates a playful, painless smacking.
お座敷から三味線がペンペンと聞こえてくる。
おざしきからしゃみせんがペンペンときこえてくる。
The plunking sound of a shamisen can be heard from the tatami room.
LiteralDescribes the unique sound of the traditional Japanese stringed instrument.
ズボンについた砂をペンペンと払う。
ズボンについたすなをペンペンとはらう。
Smacking the pants lightly to brush off the sand.
LiteralUsing an open hand to repeatedly smack off dust or dirt.
おもちゃのペンペンを鳴らして遊ぶ。
おもちゃのペンペンをならしてあそぶ。
Playing by making a sound with a toy shamisen.
LiteralPenpen is used as a children's noun to refer to the shamisen instrument itself.
Similar Words
ばちん
bachin
A hard slap that is much more painful than penpen.
Questions
Is penpen only used for spanking?
It is most common for spanking, but it can also be used for dusting off clothes with light smacks or describing a shamisen's sound.
Can I use penpen when talking about an adult getting hit?
It will sound very playful or like a joke, because the word strongly implies treating someone like a misbehaving child.
How is it different from pon?
Pon is a gentle tap to get attention, while penpen is a repetitive flat smack.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2154450
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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- ドカン (dokan)
- Next entry
- ガチッと (gachitto)