Entry
ペシッ
peshi
A sharp, relatively light smacking or slapping sound, usually made with an open hand or flat object.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
ペシッ represents the sound of a sharp but relatively light smack or slap. It is typically used for the sound of an open hand or a flat, light object striking a surface. Unlike harder hitting sounds, it lacks the feeling of heavy, damaging impact and often implies a quick, sometimes playful or reprimanding action.
- Light slap
- Flat object impact
Sense Map
Light Slap
The sound of lightly slapping something with an open hand, often playfully or as a mild reprimand.
おでこをペシッと叩く。
Flat Object Impact
The sound of a light, flat object like a fan, paper, or flyswatter hitting a surface.
ハエ叩きでペシッと打つ。
Usage Note
How to Use
ペシッと + verb
Used as an adverb to describe how an action (like hitting or slapping) is performed.
ペシッとする
Describes the action of giving a light smack or the sharp stinging sensation of such a slap.
How to Use
Common Phrases
おでこをペシッと叩く
lightly slap the forehead
手をペシッと打つ
smack one's hand
ペシッと叩かれる
be lightly slapped
ほっぺたをペシッとする
give a light smack to the cheek
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Physical contact with people | Neutral to Playful | Usually implies a light, non-injurious slap, often as a joke, a mild scolding, or waking someone up. |
| Hitting objects or insects | Neutral | Describes the sharp sound of hitting something with a flyswatter, a rolled-up magazine, or a flat hand. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぱしっ ぱしっ / similar | When the sound is sharper, louder, or harder, like a snap or a harder slap. | パシッ implies a sharper, slightly harder snap or crack compared to the lighter, flatter sound of ペシッ. | パシッと顔を張る。 |
ぽん ぽん / similar | When tapping lightly or patting, with a slightly hollow or soft sound. | ポン implies a soft, hollow tap or pat (like tapping a shoulder), whereas ペシッ has a sharper, stinging, or slapping quality. | 肩をポンと叩く。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for heavy, damaging blows like punching a wall or a serious injury.
Use it only for light, superficial slaps or smacks (e.g., with an open hand or paper).
Confusing it with a heavy thud or blunt force.
ペシッ is specifically a sharp, light, flat sound, not a deep or heavy thud (like ドン).
Examples
Examples
猫が私の手をペシッと叩いた。
ねこが わたしの てを ペシッと たたいた。
The cat lightly smacked my hand.
LiteralDescribes a sharp, light smack.
彼女は冗談を言って、僕の肩をペシッと叩いた。
かのじょは じょうだんを いって、ぼくの かたを ペシッと たたいた。
She made a joke and lightly smacked my shoulder.
LiteralShows a friendly, joking physical touch.
蚊が腕に止まったので、ペシッと打った。
かが うでに とまったので、ペシッと うった。
Since a mosquito landed on my arm, I smacked it.
LiteralThe sharp sound of a flat hand hitting an insect.
眠気を覚ますために、自分の頬をペシッと叩いた。
ねむけを さます ために、じぶんの ほおを ペシッと たたいた。
To wake myself up, I lightly slapped my own cheeks.
LiteralA light slap to stimulate oneself.
彼は丸めた雑誌で机をペシッと叩いて注意を引いた。
かれは まるめた ざっしで つくえを ペシッと たたいて ちゅういを ひいた。
He smacked the desk with a rolled-up magazine to get attention.
LiteralThe sound of a flat object striking a hard surface.
Similar Words
パシッ
pashi
パシッ (pashi) describes the sharp, dry, and abrupt sound of a physical impact, a slap, or a rigid object snapping. A sharper, slightly harder snap or slap than peshi.
バシッと
bashitto
Represents the sharp sound of a forceful smack, or the figurative act of doing something decisively and perfectly.
ポン
pon
ポン describes a light, resonant sound like a pop or a gentle tap, and is also used as an affectionate nickname suffix. A soft, hollow tap or pat, less sharp than peshi.
Questions
Can ペシッ be used for punching?
No, ペシッ represents a flat slapping or smacking sound, usually with an open hand. For punching, words like ドカッ or ボカッ are more appropriate.
Is ペシッ violent?
Generally, no. It represents a light, often playful or mildly reprimanding slap rather than a violent, damaging blow.
What is the difference between ペシッ and バシッ?
バシッ is a much harder, heavier, and more forceful smack, whereas ペシッ is light and relatively harmless.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2869915
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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