Translation and Meaning of: ぺこぺこ - pekopeko

The word 「ぺこぺこ」 (pekopeko) is a Japanese onomatopoeia that expresses the feeling of extreme hunger or submission, depending on the context in which it is used. This interesting variety of meanings makes “pekopeko” a richly versatile expression in the Japanese language, used in both casual everyday situations and in more formal social contexts.

In the etymology of 「ぺこぺこ」, the word is formed by the repetition of sounds that imitate the idea of 'empty' or 'idle', typical of many onomatopoeic terms in Japanese. These sounds provide an auditory representation of the sensation of being hungry, as if the stomach is rumbling or contracting. In Japanese linguistic culture, the repetition of sound is also a way to intensify the expressed feeling, making hunger or submission even more perceptible to the listener.

The expression 「ぺこぺこ」 is not limited to the physical sense of hunger. It also lends itself to metaphorical use, such as demonstrating humility or subservience. In Japanese social vocabulary, it is common to hear 「ぺこぺこする」 (pekopeko suru), indicating a person who is bowing repeatedly in gratitude or apology. This usage illustrates the Japanese cultural value of politeness and respect, where gestures of reverence are common and expected in multiple social contexts.

The characteristics of 「ぺこぺこ」 reflect well the diversity and richness of the Japanese language, where a single expression can carry a deep meaning in both literal and figurative contexts. Whether you are a learner of the Japanese language or a curious individual about the culture, understanding terms like 「ぺこぺこ」 provides a fascinating insight into the language and the cultural behaviors associated with it.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 空腹 (Kūfuku) - hunger
• お腹がすいている (Onaka ga suite iru) - To be hungry
• 飢えている (Uete iru) - Estar faminto
• 腹ペコ (Hara peko) - To be dying of hunger (colloquial expression)
• がっつり食べたい (Gattsuri tabetai) - I want to eat a lot.
• 食欲がある (Shokuyoku ga aru) - To have an appetite

ぺこぺこ

Romaji: pekopeko
Kana: ぺこぺこ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: Fawn; be very hungry

Meaning in English: fawn;be very hungry

Definition: A word that describes being hungry.

Example Sentences - (ぺこぺこ) pekopeko

See below some example sentences:

私はぺこぺこです。

Watashi wa pekopeko desu

I am hungry.

I am a picket.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case "I"
• ぺこぺこ - Japanese adjective that means "hungry"
• です - linking verb that indicates the state or condition, in this case "I am"