Entry
ピカピカ
pikapika
ピカピカ describes something that is shiny, spotlessly clean, or brand new.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
ピカピカ is a mimetic word representing a strong reflection of light from a smooth or polished surface. By extension, it is frequently used to describe things that are spotlessly clean, as well as brand new items that are fresh and untouched. It can also describe a repeatedly flashing strong light.
- Shiny surfaces
- Brand new items
- Spotlessly clean
- Flashing lights
Sense Map
Shiny & Polished
A surface reflecting light brightly because it has been polished or maintained.
床がピカピカだ
Brand New
Something completely new, pristine, and untouched.
ピカピカの車
Spotlessly Clean
A state of being perfectly clean with no dirt left.
お皿をピカピカにする
Flashing Light
A strong light flashing on and off.
雷がピカピカ光る
Usage Note
How to Use
ピカピカにする
Used when you take action to make something clean or shiny, such as by washing or polishing it.
ピカピカの + noun
Acts as a modifier to describe a noun as spotlessly clean, shiny, or brand new.
ピカピカ（と） + verb
Functions as an adverb describing how something flashes or shines.
ピカピカしている
Describes the current state of something being shiny or spotlessly clean.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ピカピカの靴
shiny shoes
ピカピカに磨く
to polish until shiny
ピカピカ光る
to flash / shine brightly
ピカピカの一年生
brand new first-grade student
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning | positive | Implies a successful, satisfying state of cleanliness with zero dirt. |
| New purchases | positive | Highlights the pristine, unblemished nature of a newly acquired item. |
| Lightning/Warning lights | neutral | Describes a strong, repetitive flashing of light. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
きらきら きらきら / similar | Used for scattered, twinkling light, like stars, jewels, or sunlight on water. | キラキラ implies a pretty, twinkling sparkle, while ピカピカ is a solid gleam from a clean surface or a strong flash. | 星がキラキラ光る |
てかてか てかてか / contrast | Used for an oily, greasy, or wet-looking shine. | テカテカ implies an unwanted oily sheen, whereas ピカピカ implies a clean and desirable polish. | 顔がテカテカしている |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using ピカピカ for the twinkling of stars or diamonds.
Use キラキラ for twinkling objects; ピカピカ is better for polished surfaces or flashes.
Using ピカピカ to describe a sweaty or greasy forehead.
Use テカテカ for an oily shine; ピカピカ sounds like the face was polished like glass.
Examples
Examples
彼は靴をピカピカに磨いた。
かれはくつをピカピカにみがいた。
He polished his shoes until they were shiny.
VisualFocuses on the surface becoming smooth and reflecting light.
大掃除をして、部屋がピカピカになった。
おおそうじをして、へやがピカピカになった。
After a thorough cleaning, the room became spotlessly clean.
FigurativeEven if the room doesn't literally reflect light, this means 'perfectly clean with no dirt'.
遠くの空で雷がピカピカと光っている。
とおくのそらでかみなりがピカピカとひかっている。
Lightning is flashing brightly in the distant sky.
VisualDescribes an intense light flashing repeatedly.
誕生日にピカピカの自転車を買ってもらった。
たんじょうびにピカピカのじてんしゃをかってもらった。
I got a brand new bicycle for my birthday.
FigurativeRefers to something completely new and untouched.
春から彼もピカピカの一年生だ。
はるからかれもピカピカのいちねんせいだ。
Starting this spring, he too will be a brand new first-grader.
FigurativeA common expression for fresh, hopeful new students.
Similar Words
キラキラ
kirakira
Describes light that shines or glitters beautifully and rhythmically. Scattered, twinkling light like stars or diamonds.
テカテカ
tekateka
Tekateka describes a continuous, solid shine on a smooth surface, often caused by oil, grease, or heavy polishing. Oily or greasy shine, often unwanted.
チカチカ
chikachika
Describes a rapid, repetitive flashing of light, often causing eye discomfort, or a sharp prickling pain.
キンキラキン
kinkirakin
Kinkirakin describes something that is excessively sparkly or flashy, often to the point of being gaudy or tacky.
Questions
Can I use ピカピカ to say the sky is full of stars?
No, stars twinkle, which is キラキラ. ピカピカ would mean the stars are flashing intensely like warning lights.
Does it only mean shiny?
It also frequently translates to brand new or spotless, even if the object isn't literally reflecting light.
What is ピカピカの一年生?
It is a very common phrase referring to a fresh, brand new first-grader who is excited and full of life.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1010830
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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