Entry
ペロペロ
peropero
This word describes the action of repeatedly licking something or gobbling up food very quickly.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
ペロペロ (peropero) is a mimetic word used to describe the continuous, light action of licking, such as a child licking a lollipop or a dog licking a face. It is also used to express the action of finishing food very quickly or gobbling something up without hesitation.
- Licking repeatedly
- Eating very quickly
Sense Map
Licking
The repeated, light action of licking something with the tongue.
アイスキャンディーをペロペロなめる。
Eating Quickly
Eating up a portion of food very quickly.
ケーキをペロペロと食べる。
Usage Note
How to Use
ペロペロ(と) + なめる/食べる/飲む
Used as an adverb before verbs like licking, eating, or drinking (for pets) to indicate how the action is performed.
ペロペロする
Functions as a verb meaning to perform the repetitive action of licking.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ペロペロなめる
to lick repeatedly
ペロペロ食べる
to eat very quickly
ペロペロと平らげる
to gobble up completely
顔をペロペロする
to lick one's face
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Licking something | Neutral / Cute | Often used for pets or children licking candy. Gives a light and non-threatening impression. |
| Eating quickly | Casual | Used when someone finishes tasty food very quickly without much effort. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぺろっと ぺろっと / similar | Focuses on a single, quick action or finishing something very easily in one go. | ペロペロ emphasizes the repetitive movement of the tongue or eating process, whereas ぺろっと emphasizes the quick completion of an action. | ケーキをぺろっと食べた。 |
べろべろ べろべろ / contrast | Used for wet, heavy, and sloppy licking, or for being heavily drunk. | ペロペロ is lighter and cuter, while ベロベロ has a heavier, messier, or more extreme nuance. | 酔っ払ってベロベロになる。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using ペロペロ for someone who is completely drunk.
For being completely drunk, use ベロベロ (berobero), not ペロペロ.
Using this word for a human gulping down large amounts of drinks.
ペロペロ is for licking or eating solid food quickly. For a human gulping drinks, use ごくごく (gokugoku).
Examples
Examples
犬が私の顔をペロペロなめた。
いぬが わたしの かおを ペロペロ なめた。
The dog licked my face repeatedly.
LiteralDescribes the physical action of licking repeatedly with the tongue.
子供がアイスキャンディーをペロペロなめている。
こどもが アイスキャンディーを ペロペロ なめている。
The child is licking a popsicle.
LiteralA common context for using this word with children.
弟は大きなケーキをペロペロと食べてしまった。
おとうとは おおきな ケーキを ペロペロと たべてしまった。
My younger brother quickly gobbled up the large cake.
VisualDescribes the speed and eagerness when eating delicious food.
子猫がミルクをペロペロと飲んでいる。
こねこが ミルクを ペロペロと のんでいる。
The kitten is lapping up the milk.
LiteralUsed for animals drinking liquids with their tongues.
手についたチョコレートをペロペロなめる。
てに ついた チョコレートを ペロペロ なめる。
Licking the chocolate off my hands.
LiteralIndicates small licks to clean off something sweet.
Similar Words
ぺろっと
perotto
ぺろっと describes doing something swiftly and completely, such as gobbling up food, briefly sticking out a tongue, or peeling a sticker off cleanly. Emphasizes the completion of an action very quickly in a single motion.
ペロリ
perori
Describes completing an action swiftly and easily, such as eating an entire meal quickly or peeling something off cleanly.
ベロベロ
berobero
Being completely dead drunk, or licking something thoroughly and wetly. Used for wetter, heavier licking, or being heavily drunk.
Questions
Can I use ペロペロ for drinking soup?
No, this word is for licking or quickly eating solid or semi-solid foods. For liquids, expressions like ごくごく (gokugoku) or ずずっと (zuzutto) are better.
Is ペロペロ polite?
It is a casual, everyday word. It is not inherently rude, but usually used in informal contexts rather than formal ones.
What is the difference between ペロペロ and ぺろっと when eating?
ペロペロ emphasizes the speed and eagerness of eating, while ぺろっと emphasizes that the food disappeared completely in an instant.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1121370
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
- Previous entry
- プンプン (punpun)
- Next entry
- ぼやぼや (boyaboya)