Entry
ぺったん
pettan
Flat, flattened, or the action of sticking something flat.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
Describes the physical state of being completely flat or having lost volume, such as flattened hair. It also evokes the light, firm action or sound of sticking something flat against a surface, like a sticker or a stamp.
- Flat or flattened state
- Sticking or stamping action
Sense Map
Flat / Flattened
The state of an object becoming completely flat, thin, or losing its volume, like hair or an empty bag.
髪がぺったんになる。
Sticking / Stamping
The action or light sound made when pressing something flat firmly against a surface, such as a sticker or a stamp.
スタンプをぺったんと押す。
Usage Note
How to Use
ぺったんになる
Used to describe something becoming flat or losing its volume (e.g., hair becoming flat).
ぺったんとする
Describes the state of being completely flat.
ぺったんと + verb
Used as an adverb to describe the action of firmly and flatly sticking or stamping something against a surface.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ぺったんになる
to become flat
ぺったんと貼る
to stick flatly
ぺったんと押す
to stamp firmly
髪がぺったんになる
hair becomes flat / loses volume
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Describing physical shape (like hair or bags) | neutral | Used when something loses its volume or is completely flat. It has a slightly casual or cute ring to it. |
| Actions of sticking or stamping | neutral | Expresses the action of making firm, flat contact with a surface, often used when talking to children (e.g., sticking a sticker). |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぺちゃんこ ぺちゃんこ / similar | When something is heavily crushed, squashed flat, or completely deflated. | ぺったん is a simpler flat state and can also mean the action of sticking, while ぺちゃんこ implies destruction or being forcibly crushed by pressure. | ぺちゃんこに潰れる |
ぴったり ぴったり / similar | When two things fit tightly together without any gaps. | ぺったん emphasizes the flat contact or the action of stamping, whereas ぴったり emphasizes the perfect fit or lack of space. | ぴったりとくっつく |
ぺらぺら ぺらぺら / similar | When something is very thin and flimsy, like paper or fabric. | ぺらぺら emphasizes thinness and flimsiness, while ぺったん emphasizes being flattened down or the action of sticking. | ぺらぺらの紙 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using ぺったん for a "flat tire".
For a flat tire, use パンクする. ぺったん is used for things losing volume naturally like hair, or for flat physical objects.
Confusing ぺったん with ぺちゃんこ to describe a heavily crushed car.
Use ぺちゃんこ for things that are violently squashed or crushed. ぺったん is milder and focuses on the flat shape or sticking action.
Examples
Examples
帽子をかぶっていたので、髪がぺったんになった。
ぼうしをかぶっていたので、かみがぺったんになった。
My hair became flat because I was wearing a hat.
VisualDescribes hair losing its volume and becoming flat.
子供がノートにシールをぺったんと貼った。
こどもがノートにシールをぺったんとはった。
The child stuck a sticker flatly onto the notebook.
VisualDescribes the firm, flat action of sticking a sticker.
彼は書類にハンコをぺったんと押した。
かれはしょるいにハンコをぺったんとおした。
He firmly stamped his seal on the document.
VisualExpresses the distinct action of stamping a seal flatly on paper.
空のリュックサックがぺったんになっている。
からのリュックサックがぺったんになっている。
The empty backpack is completely flat.
VisualDescribes an empty bag that is completely flat.
疲れて床にぺったんと座り込んだ。
つかれてゆかにぺったんとすわりこんだ。
I was so tired that I plopped down flat on the floor.
VisualDescribes sitting down flatly on the floor, collapsing slightly.
Similar Words
ぺちゃんこ
pechanko
Indicates something that is heavily crushed or totally squashed.
ぺったんこ
pettanko
Describes something that has been crushed flat or has completely lost its volume and air.
ぴったり
pittari
Describes things that fit perfectly, match exactly, or an action that stops completely. Indicates a perfect, tight fit without gaps.
ペラペラ
perapera
Speaking a foreign language fluently, or referring to something that is very thin and flimsy. Indicates something very thin and flimsy, like paper.
Questions
Can I use ぺったん for a flat tire?
No, ぺったん describes a flattened physical shape or flat hair. For a flat tire, use パンクする.
Is ぺったん used in formal situations?
No, it is a casual, slightly playful word mostly used in daily conversation or with children.
What is the difference between ぺったん and ぺたん?
They mean the same thing, but ぺったん (with the small tsu) gives a slightly stronger or more energetic nuance to the action or state.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2267230
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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