Entry
ぴょこん
pyokon
ぴょこん describes a light, quick bouncing movement, abruptly popping up, or a swift, casual bow of the head.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word is used to express a light, springy action. It often describes small animals hopping, things like animal ears popping up suddenly, or someone giving a quick, somewhat comical or casual bow of their head.
- quick hop
- sudden appearance
- quick bow
Sense Map
Bouncing or popping up
Used when something hops lightly, or when animal ears or objects pop up quickly.
うさぎの耳がぴょこんと立つ。
Bowing the head
Used when someone lowers their head quickly and lightly for a casual greeting or apology.
ぴょこんとお辞儀をする。
Usage Note
How to Use
ぴょこんと + verb
Functions as an adverb to describe how an action (like jumping or bowing) is done quickly and with a bounce.
ぴょこんとする
Used as a verb meaning to make a quick bouncing motion or a quick bow.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ぴょこんと頭を下げる
to bow one's head quickly
ぴょこんと飛び出す
to pop out suddenly
ぴょこんとお辞儀をする
to give a quick bow
ぴょこんと立つ
to perk up or stand up quickly
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Bowing | neutral | Feels casual and light, suitable for greeting friends but not for deep apologies. |
| Hopping or popping up | positive | Gives a cute and nimble impression, like a rabbit or a small frog hopping. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぺこん ぺこん / similar | Both can describe bowing, but ぺこん focuses on the denting or dipping motion of the head. | ぴょこん includes a springy, bouncy feeling that ぺこん lacks. | ぺこんとお辞儀する。 |
ちょこちょこ ちょこちょこ / similar | Used for small, quick movements, especially steps. | Does not describe a single popping or bouncing motion like ぴょこん does. | ちょこちょこ歩く。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using ぴょこん for long or high jumps.
It is only used for small, light, and quick hops.
Using it during a formal apology at work.
The word has a casual and cute nuance, making it unsuitable for formal or serious apologies.
Examples
Examples
猫が箱の中からぴょこんと顔を出した。
ねこがはこのなかからぴょこんとかおをだした。
The cat popped its head out of the box.
VisualDescribes the cat's head appearing quickly.
彼女はぴょこんとお辞儀をして部屋を出て行った。
かのじょはぴょこんとおじぎをしてへやをでていった。
She gave a quick bow and left the room.
VisualIndicates a quick, casual nod of the head.
うさぎの耳がぴょこんと立った。
うさぎのみみがぴょこんとたった。
The rabbit's ears perked up.
VisualDescribes ears standing straight up instantly.
カエルが草むらからぴょこんと跳ねた。
かえるがくさむらからぴょこんとはねた。
The frog hopped lightly from the grass.
LiteralDescribes a small, light hop.
名前を呼ばれて、彼は椅子からぴょこんと立ち上がった。
なまえをよばれて、かれはいすからぴょこんとたちあがった。
When his name was called, he popped up from his chair.
LiteralFocuses on the speed and nimbleness of standing up.
Similar Words
ぺこん
pekon
Pekon or pekori describes the hollow popping sound of thin metal or plastic denting, or the quick, light action of bowing one's head. Both can mean bowing, but pekon lacks the bouncy feel.
ちょこちょこ
chokochoko
Describes moving with small, quick steps like a toddler, or doing something frequently in small amounts. For continuous small, quick movements.
Questions
What is the difference between ぴょこん and ぴょん?
Both mean to hop, but ぴょこん focuses on a small, sudden movement (like ears perking up), whereas ぴょん is a more general word for jumping.
Can I use this word in a job interview?
You should avoid it. It is casual language and sounds a bit comical, making it inappropriate for formal or business situations.
What kinds of things move 'ぴょこん'?
Lightweight things, small animals, body parts like animal ears, or a person's head nodding quickly.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1632470
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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