Entry
ペシペシ
peshipeshi
Represents the sound of repeatedly and lightly slapping, tapping, or smacking a surface, often skin.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
Describes a light, sharp, and repeated slapping or tapping sound. It conveys a relatively gentle force, making it commonly used for playful smacks, lightly patting one's own cheeks to regain focus, or gently tapping skin rather than delivering hard, violent hits.
- light slapping sound
- playful smacking
Sense Map
light slapping sound
Used for the sound of lightly and rhythmically slapping or patting a surface, especially skin.
ほっぺたをペシペシ叩く
playful smacking
Used when hitting someone lightly and playfully without serious force.
相手の肩をペシペシと打つ
Usage Note
How to Use
ペシペシ(と) + verb
Acts as an adverb modifying verbs like 叩く (to hit) or 打つ (to strike).
ペシペシする
Can be used as a verb itself meaning 'to slap or tap lightly'.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ほっぺたをペシペシ叩く
to lightly slap one's cheeks
ペシペシと打つ
to gently strike or smack
顔をペシペシする
to lightly slap one's face
肩をペシペシ叩く
to playfully tap someone's shoulder
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Playful physical contact | neutral | Implies no actual harm is intended, like friends lightly smacking each other's arms. |
| Self-motivation | neutral | Used when slapping one's own cheeks lightly to wake up or regain focus. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ばしばし ばしばし / similar | Used for harder, stronger, and repeated hits that involve more force. | ペシペシ is much lighter and is not meant to cause pain. | バシバシ叩く |
ぺんぺん ぺんぺん / similar | Often used for light spanking, like smacking a child's bottom gently. | ペンペン has a more specific nuance of a warning spank on particular body parts. | お尻をペンペンする |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it to describe a heavy, violent punch or hit during a fight.
ペシペシ is strictly for light, often harmless smacks. Use words like バシバシ or ボコボコ for violence.
Using it for heavy objects hitting the ground.
This word implies a light, sharp sound against a soft surface like skin or paper, not heavy impacts.
Examples
Examples
気合を入れるため、両手でほっぺたをペシペシと叩いた。
きあいをいれるため、りょうてでほっぺたをペシペシとたたいた。
To get myself fired up, I lightly slapped my cheeks with both hands.
LiteralLightly slapping one's own cheeks is a common gesture in Japan to build focus or wake up.
彼女は笑いながら、友達の腕をペシペシと打った。
かのじょはわらいながら、ともだちのうでをペシペシとうった。
Laughing, she playfully smacked her friend's arm.
LiteralHighlights a playful and friendly physical interaction without any intent to hurt.
丸めた雑誌で、机の上の虫をペシペシと叩いた。
まるめたざっしで、つくえのうえのむしをペシペシとたたいた。
I swatted the bug on the desk lightly with a rolled-up magazine.
LiteralShows the quick, light slapping sound of paper or a flat object against a hard surface.
猫が不機嫌そうに、しっぽで床をペシペシと叩いている。
ねこがふきげんそうに、しっぽでゆかをペシペシとたたいている。
The cat is tapping its tail against the floor in annoyance.
VisualDescribes the light, whipping or slapping sound of a tail repetitively hitting the floor when a pet is agitated.
化粧水を顔に塗った後、肌をペシペシと叩いてなじませた。
けしょうすいをかおにぬったあと、はだをペシペシとたたいてなじませた。
After applying toner to my face, I lightly patted my skin to blend it in.
VisualThis word is frequently used in skincare routines to describe the repetitive patting motion on facial skin.
Similar Words
バシバシ
bashibashi
Describes the sound of repeated hitting, or doing something vigorously and without holding back. Indicates a much stronger and painful hit compared to peshipeshi.
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. Similar, but more often used for a gentle, warning spank on a child's bottom.
Questions
Is a hit described as ペシペシ painful?
Usually, no. It conveys a light, sharp tap, often done playfully or to wake oneself up, rather than a painful blow.
Can I use ペシペシ for hitting a drum?
While it can be understood, it sounds like you are just lightly tapping the drumhead without resonance. Words like ドンドン (dondon) are much better for drums.
What is the difference between ペシペシ and バシバシ?
ペシペシ (peshipeshi) is a light, gentle, or playful smack. バシバシ (bashibashi) is a much harder, stronger, and potentially painful hit.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2858856
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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