Entry
ピーピー
piipii
A word representing high-pitched repeated sounds like beeps or chirps, as well as figurative states like having diarrhea, being broke, or being a novice.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
A versatile mimetic word that represents: (1) high-pitched, continuous or repeated sounds like electronic beeps, whistles, or bird chirps, (2) the physical state of having diarrhea, (3) the financial state of being poor or broke, and (4) an inexperienced beginner.
- beeping or chirping sound
- having diarrhea
- being broke
- beginner
Sense Map
Electronic Sounds / Chirping
Represents high-pitched, continuous, or repeated sounds such as electronic warning beeps, whistles, or baby birds chirping.
ケトルがピーピーと鳴っている。
Upset Stomach (Diarrhea)
Used casually to describe the state of having diarrhea.
冷たいものを飲みすぎて、お腹がピーピーだ。
Financial Hardship
Describes a state of being completely broke or struggling financially.
今月はピーピーで、遊びに行けない。
Beginner / Novice
Refers to an inexperienced person, often used with a slightly condescending or teasing tone.
あいつはまだピーピーの新人だ。
Usage Note
How to Use
ピーピー鳴く
Used when birds or objects actively make a sound.
ピーピー音がする
Describes that a beeping sound is heard from a source.
ピーピーする
Used as a verb to describe the state of having an upset stomach.
ピーピーだ
Indicates a state, such as being broke or having diarrhea.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ピーピーと鳴く
to chirp / to beep
ピーピー音がする
to make a beeping sound
お腹がピーピーだ
to have diarrhea / an upset stomach
ピーピー言う
to complain about being broke
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Electronic sounds | neutral | Used for microwaves, reversing trucks, low-battery alarms. |
| Diarrhea | negative | Usually used among friends or family, somewhat childish. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぷー ぷー / contrast | For shorter or lower-pitched sounds like a car horn or a fart. | Unlike ピーピー, which is high-pitched and repeated. | クラクションがプーと鳴る。 |
びちびち びちびち / similar | For the watery sound of severe diarrhea splashing, or a fish flopping. | ピーピー focuses on the condition of diarrhea, while ビチビチ emphasizes the splashing sound. | 魚がビチビチと跳ねる。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using ピーピー for low-pitched alarm sounds.
ピーピー is specifically for high-pitched sounds.
Thinking ピーピー is a polite medical term for diarrhea.
It is a casual, slightly childish word. Do not use it with a doctor.
Examples
Examples
ケトルがお湯の沸騰を知らせて、ピーピーと鳴っている。
ケトルがおゆのふっとうをしらせて、ぴーぴーとなっている。
The kettle is beeping to signal that the water is boiling.
LiteralUsed for electronic warning sounds from appliances.
ひな鳥が餌を欲しがって、ピーピー鳴いている。
ひなどりがえさをほしがって、ぴーぴーないている。
The chicks are chirping, asking for food.
LiteralDescribes the high-pitched sound of baby birds.
昨日からお腹がピーピーしていて、何も食べられない。
きのうからおなかがぴーぴーしていて、なにもたべられない。
My stomach has been upset with diarrhea since yesterday, and I can't eat anything.
FigurativeA casual expression for an upset stomach or diarrhea.
今月は車の修理代がかかって、財布がピーピーだ。
こんげつはくるまのしゅうりだいがかかって、さいふがぴーぴーだ。
I had to pay for car repairs this month, so my wallet is completely broke.
FigurativeMeans having no money or being financially strained.
あんなピーピーの初心者に、この仕事は任せられない。
あんなぴーぴーのしょしんしゃに、このしごとはまかせられない。
We can't entrust this job to such an inexperienced novice.
FigurativeA slightly derogatory way to describe a complete beginner.
Similar Words
プー
pū
A single or lower-pitched sound like a horn.
ビチビチ
bichibichi
Emphasizes the splashing sound of watery diarrhea or a flopping fish.
Questions
Can ピーピー be used for large birds?
No, ピーピー is typically for baby birds or small birds.
Is it polite to say my stomach is ピーピー at work?
No, it's too casual. Use the proper word for diarrhea (geri).
What does it mean if someone is always ピーピー about money?
It means they are complaining about being broke.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2097020
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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