Explanation at your level:
Hello! Today we learn a fun word: ぺこぺこ (peko peko). This word is for when you are very, very hungry. Your tummy might make a noise, like 'grumble grumble!' That sound is like ぺこぺこ. You can say 'I am ぺこぺこ!' This means 'I am very hungry!' It is a happy word for when you want to eat yummy food. You can say this to your friends or family. It is easy to say and easy to remember!
Let's learn about ぺこぺこ (peko peko)! This is a Japanese word that means you are extremely hungry. Imagine your stomach is rumbling loudly – that feeling is ぺこぺこ. The most common way to use it is with the word for stomach, お腹 (onaka). So, お腹がぺこぺこ (onaka ga peko peko) means 'My stomach is very hungry.' It's a casual and friendly way to tell someone you need to eat soon. You can use it when talking with friends or family after school or work.
The Japanese adverb ぺこぺこ (peko peko) is a wonderfully expressive way to describe intense hunger. It goes beyond simply being 'hungry'; it signifies a state where your stomach is audibly rumbling or you feel a significant lack of energy due to not eating. The key phrase is お腹がぺこぺこ (onaka ga peko peko), which is the standard way to say 'I'm starving!' or 'I'm famished!' in casual conversation. This term is widely understood and frequently used in everyday Japanese communication. It's perfect for informal settings, like planning lunch with colleagues or discussing dinner plans with friends. Using ぺこぺこ adds a touch of vividness and personality to your language.
ぺこぺこ (peko peko) is an onomatopoeic adverb in Japanese, vividly capturing the sensation and sound of extreme hunger. While its literal meaning relates to a rumbling stomach, its usage extends to expressing a state of significant appetite, often hyperbolically. The core expression is お腹がぺこぺこ (onaka ga peko peko), the equivalent of 'I'm ravenous!' or 'My stomach is growling like crazy!' It's important to note the register: ぺこぺこ is firmly in the casual domain. You'd use it with friends, family, or in relaxed social situations. Avoid it in formal writing or professional presentations. Its playful, almost childlike sound makes it endearing, but its intensity should be understood as more than just mild hunger; it implies a genuine need for food.
In Japanese linguistics, ぺこぺこ (peko peko) serves as a prime example of mimetic language, specifically an adverbial representation of intense hunger. Its onomatopoeic quality, mimicking the gastric sounds of an empty stomach, lends it a visceral immediacy. The phrase お腹がぺこぺこ (onaka ga peko peko) is the most common instantiation, functioning as a colloquialism for 'I'm famished.' While inherently informal, the word can be employed with a degree of self-aware humor even in slightly more formal contexts if the situation allows for levity. Understanding ぺこぺこ also involves recognizing its frequent association with youth culture and its use in children's media, contributing to its perception as cute or endearing. Its semantic range implies not just hunger, but a pressing need that can affect one's mood or energy levels.
The Japanese adverbial expression ぺこぺこ (peko peko), derived from the onomatopoeic representation of a hollow, rumbling stomach, signifies a profound state of hunger. Its etymological roots lie in the intuitive association of the 'peko' sound with emptiness and the resulting visceral sensation. Semantically, it denotes a hunger so intense that it may be physically palpable or audibly manifest, far exceeding the neutral 'hungry.' The canonical phrase, お腹がぺこぺこ (onaka ga peko peko), functions as a culturally ingrained idiom for extreme appetite, akin to 'famished' or 'starving' in English, but with a distinctively Japanese nuance of expressiveness and often, a touch of endearing hyperbole. Its pragmatic usage is predominantly confined to informal registers, though its ubiquity in popular culture, including manga and anime, has cemented its status as a universally understood descriptor of acute hunger. Advanced learners might explore its subtle connotations, such as the potential for mild irritability or the heightened anticipation of sustenance.
واژه در 30 ثانیه
- ぺこぺこ (peko peko) is a Japanese adverb for being extremely hungry.
- It's onomatopoeic, mimicking the sound of a rumbling stomach.
- Commonly used in the phrase 'Onaka ga peko peko' (お腹がぺこぺこ).
- It's casual and best used in informal situations.
Hey there! Let's dive into the fun world of the Japanese adverb ぺこぺこ (peko peko). This word is all about that feeling when your stomach is rumbling so loud, you can practically hear it across the room! It's the perfect way to say you're famished or starving, but in a super cute and expressive way. Think of it as the sound your tummy makes when it's really, really empty and craving some delicious food. It's not just about being a little peckish; ぺこぺこ means you're seriously hungry, maybe even to the point of feeling a bit weak or dizzy from lack of food. It’s a common and relatable feeling, making ぺこぺこ a word you'll hear and want to use often!
The beauty of ぺこぺこ lies in its onomatopoeic nature. It mimics the actual sound of a hungry stomach, making the description incredibly vivid. You can use it to describe yourself, your friends, or even characters in a story. It’s often used in casual conversation, adding a touch of humor and personality to how you express your hunger. So, next time your stomach starts to sing its hungry song, you know exactly the word to use: ぺこぺこ!
The word ぺこぺこ (peko peko) is a fantastic example of Japanese onomatopoeia and mimetic words (giongo and gitaigo). While the exact origin is a bit fuzzy, the 'peko' sound itself is thought to represent the hollow, rumbling sound of an empty stomach. It’s a very intuitive sound association – imagine the air moving around in an empty space, creating a sort of 'pekko' or 'peko' noise. This kind of descriptive sound-word is common in many languages, but Japanese is particularly rich with them!
Historically, Japanese has a long tradition of using words that mimic sounds and sensations. ぺこぺこ likely emerged organically in spoken language as a vivid way to describe extreme hunger. There isn't a specific historical event or text that marks its 'invention,' but rather it evolved as a natural expression. Its popularity has endured because it’s so effective and endearing. You might find similar sounds used in other contexts too, but when associated with hunger, ぺこぺこ is the go-to term. It’s a word that feels ancient yet remains incredibly fresh and modern in its usage.
ぺこぺこ (peko peko) is primarily used as an adverb to describe the state of being extremely hungry. You'll most often hear it modifying verbs related to feeling hungry or needing to eat. A very common phrase is お腹がぺこぺこ (onaka ga peko peko), which literally means 'my stomach is peko peko,' translating to 'I'm starving!' or 'I'm so hungry!'
It's generally used in casual and informal settings. You wouldn't typically use it in a formal business meeting or an academic paper, but it's perfect for talking with friends, family, or even in a lighthearted work environment. Think of it as the equivalent of saying 'I'm ravenous!' or 'My stomach is growling like crazy!' in English. It’s also frequently used by children, adding to its cute and approachable image. You can also use it to describe someone else's hunger: 「彼はもうぺこぺこみたいだよ。」 (Kare wa mou peko peko mitai da yo.) - 'He seems really hungry already.'
While ぺこぺこ (peko peko) itself is a vivid descriptor, it's often part of common expressions that emphasize hunger. Here are a few ways it pops up:
- お腹がぺこぺこ (Onaka ga peko peko): This is the most standard and widely used expression. It directly translates to 'My stomach is peko peko,' meaning 'I'm very hungry.' It's the quintessential way to express intense hunger in a casual context.
- ぺこぺこで死にそう (Peko peko de shinisou): Literally 'I'm going to die from being peko peko.' This is a hyperbolic expression used to emphasize just how incredibly hungry someone is. It's a dramatic, but common, way to say 'I'm starving to death!'
- ぺこぺこ状態 (Peko peko joutai): This translates to 'peko peko state' or 'condition of being peko peko.' It refers to the general state of extreme hunger. You might hear someone say, 「今、ぺこぺこ状態なんだ。」 (Ima, peko peko joutai nan da.) - 'Right now, I'm in a state of extreme hunger.'
- ぺこぺこループ (Peko peko ruupu): This is a more modern, slangy expression, often seen online or among younger people. It refers to the cycle of getting hungry, eating, and then getting hungry again quickly, especially if the meal wasn't very filling. It implies a continuous state of hunger.
- ぺこぺこパワー (Peko peko pawaa): This is a playful term, often used humorously, suggesting that extreme hunger gives you a strange kind of energy or motivation to find food. It's like saying, 'My hunger is giving me the power to find food!'
These expressions showcase how ぺこぺこ is integrated into everyday language to add color and emphasis to the universal experience of hunger.
Pronunciation: The word ぺこぺこ (peko peko) is pronounced 'peh-koh peh-koh'. Each 'peko' has two syllables. The 'p' sound is unaspirated, similar to the 'p' in 'spit' rather than 'pin'. The 'e' sound is like the 'e' in 'bet', and the 'o' sound is like the 'o' in 'go'. There's no strong stress on any particular syllable; it has a relatively flat, rhythmic intonation.
IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet): For both British and American English speakers, a close approximation would be /peko peko/. The sounds are generally straightforward for English speakers. There are no complex vowel or consonant clusters.
Rhyming words: While direct rhymes in English might be scarce, words ending in '-eko' or '-oko' could be considered near rhymes. In Japanese, words like pokopoko (onomatopoeia for a drumming sound) or dokidoki (onomatopoeia for a heartbeat) share similar rhythmic patterns but don't rhyme in the English sense. Words that sound similar rhythmically might include hello hello or echo echo.
Grammar Notes: ぺこぺこ functions as an adverb or an adjectival noun (na-adjective). When used with お腹 (onaka - stomach), it forms the common phrase お腹がぺこぺこ (onaka ga peko peko), where 'ga' is the subject marker particle. It can also stand alone to mean 'I'm hungry,' especially in very casual speech. For example, 「もうぺこぺこ！」 (Mou peko peko!) - 'I'm so hungry already!'
Fun Fact
The 'peko' sound is thought to represent the hollow echo within an empty stomach, much like how 'grrr' represents a growl.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'peh-koh, peh-koh'. The 'o' sound is pure, like in 'go', not diphthongized.
Similar to UK, 'peh-koh, peh-koh'. Ensure the 'o' sound is clear and not drawn out like in 'oh'.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing the 'o' like the 'o' in 'hot'.
- Adding stress to one syllable instead of a flat rhythm.
- Making the 'p' sound too aspirated (like in English 'pin').
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to understand in context, especially with visual aids.
Easy to use in simple sentences.
Easy pronunciation and common usage.
Recognizable sound, often used clearly.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
پیشرفته
Grammar to Know
Particles (が, は)
お腹<strong>が</strong>ぺこぺこです。(Subject marker 'ga')
Verb Conjugation (て-form)
何も食べて<strong>なくて</strong>、ぺこぺこです。
Adjectives (i-adjectives and na-adjectives)
ぺこぺこ can function like a na-adjective.
Examples by Level
I am peko peko.
I am hungry.
Use 'am' with 'I'.
My tummy is peko peko.
My stomach is hungry.
'My' shows something belongs to you.
Are you peko peko?
Are you hungry?
Start questions with 'Are'.
Let's eat. I peko peko.
Let's eat. I am hungry.
Short sentences are okay.
The dog is peko peko.
The dog is hungry.
Use 'is' with 'he', 'she', 'it'.
I feel peko peko.
I feel hungry.
'Feel' is a verb.
Peko peko! Food time!
Hungry! Food time!
Exclamations show strong feeling.
My stomach is loud. Peko peko.
My stomach is loud. Hungry.
Connect ideas with a period.
I'm so peko peko, I could eat a horse!
I'm so hungry, I could eat a horse!
Hyperbole: exaggerating for effect.
After the long hike, we were all peko peko.
After the long hike, we were all very hungry.
Past tense 'were'.
Is your stomach peko peko? Let's get some lunch.
Is your stomach very hungry? Let's get some lunch.
Question form 'Is your...?'
The kids are peko peko after playing outside all day.
The kids are very hungry after playing outside all day.
Present continuous 'are playing'.
I need to eat something soon, I'm getting peko peko.
I need to eat something soon, I'm getting very hungry.
'Getting' shows a process.
My cat always looks peko peko around dinner time.
My cat always looks very hungry around dinner time.
Present simple 'looks'.
Don't worry, we'll get food soon. Try not to be too peko peko.
Don't worry, we'll get food soon. Try not to be too hungry.
Imperative 'Don't worry'.
This meeting is running late, and I'm getting seriously peko peko.
This meeting is running late, and I'm getting seriously hungry.
'Seriously' emphasizes the degree of hunger.
I skipped breakfast and lunch, so I'm absolutely peko peko right now.
I skipped breakfast and lunch, so I'm absolutely starving right now.
'Absolutely' intensifies the adjective.
After the marathon, the runners were understandably peko peko and looking for refreshments.
After the marathon, the runners were understandably famished and looking for refreshments.
'Understandably' implies the reason is clear.
My stomach starts to feel peko peko around 3 PM every day.
My stomach starts to feel very hungry around 3 PM every day.
Present simple for habits and routines.
Could you grab me a snack? I'm getting a bit peko peko.
Could you grab me a snack? I'm getting a bit hungry.
'Could you...?' is a polite request.
The children were peko peko by the time dinner was finally served.
The children were starving by the time dinner was finally served.
Past tense 'were'.
I always get peko peko when I smell freshly baked bread.
I always get very hungry when I smell freshly baked bread.
Present simple for general truths.
He claimed he wasn't hungry, but his stomach was making loud peko peko noises.
He claimed he wasn't hungry, but his stomach was making loud rumbling noises.
Reported speech ('claimed').
We need to find a restaurant soon; this peko peko feeling is unbearable.
We need to find a restaurant soon; this starving feeling is unbearable.
'Unbearable' means cannot be endured.
Having trained intensely all morning, the athletes were understandably peko peko and eager for their post-workout meal.
Having trained intensely all morning, the athletes were understandably famished and eager for their post-workout meal.
Present participle phrase 'Having trained...'
The sheer amount of walking we did today has left me feeling quite peko peko.
The sheer amount of walking we did today has left me feeling quite ravenous.
'Quite' modifies the adjective 'peko peko'.
He tried to play it cool, but the constant stomach rumbling gave away just how peko peko he really was.
He tried to play it cool, but the constant stomach rumbling gave away just how starving he really was.
Subordinate clause 'how peko peko he really was'.
If we don't find somewhere to eat soon, I might just faint from being so peko peko.
If we don't find somewhere to eat soon, I might just faint from being so famished.
Conditional sentence structure.
The smell of roasting meat from the nearby restaurant was making my peko peko worse.
The smell of roasting meat from the nearby restaurant was making my hunger worse.
Possessive pronoun 'my'.
She confessed that she often gets peko peko during long lectures, despite having eaten beforehand.
She confessed that she often gets ravenous during long lectures, despite having eaten beforehand.
Gerund phrase 'having eaten'.
My roommate's constant complaints about being peko peko are starting to make me hungry too.
My roommate's constant complaints about being starving are starting to make me hungry too.
Gerund 'complaining'.
We were so peko peko after the all-day festival that we ordered enough food for three people.
We were so famished after the all-day festival that we ordered enough food for three people.
Result clause using 'so...that'.
The prolonged fasting period had rendered him profoundly peko peko, his usual stoicism giving way to a primal urge for sustenance.
The prolonged fasting period had rendered him profoundly famished, his usual stoicism giving way to a primal urge for sustenance.
Use of 'profoundly' and 'rendered'.
Her constant talk of culinary delights during the arduous journey only served to exacerbate her already peko peko state.
Her constant talk of culinary delights during the arduous journey only served to exacerbate her already ravenous state.
Sophisticated vocabulary like 'exacerbate', 'arduous'.
Despite the formal setting, the sheer intensity of his hunger made him feel rather peko peko, a sensation he tried to mask.
Despite the formal setting, the sheer intensity of his hunger made him feel rather famished, a sensation he tried to mask.
Contrast between formal setting and informal feeling.
The unexpected delay in the flight meant that many passengers were becoming uncomfortably peko peko.
The unexpected delay in the flight meant that many passengers were becoming uncomfortably ravenous.
'Uncomfortably' adds nuance.
He described the feeling not merely as hunger, but as a 'peko peko' void that demanded immediate attention.
He described the feeling not merely as hunger, but as a 'famished' void that demanded immediate attention.
Quotation marks for emphasis or specific phrasing.
The children's relentless questions about dinner, coupled with their audible stomach rumbles, painted a clear picture of their peko peko condition.
The children's relentless questions about dinner, coupled with their audible stomach rumbles, painted a clear picture of their starving condition.
Complex sentence structure with participial phrases.
Even the most disciplined individuals can succumb to feeling peko peko after extended physical exertion.
Even the most disciplined individuals can succumb to feeling famished after extended physical exertion.
Use of 'succumb' and 'exertion'.
She used the term 'peko peko' with a playful exaggeration to convey her extreme hunger after a long day of sightseeing.
She used the term 'famished' with a playful exaggeration to convey her extreme hunger after a long day of sightseeing.
Explaining the use of the word itself.
The monks' adherence to their ascetic regimen meant that periods of profound, almost debilitating peko peko were a regular feature of their spiritual discipline.
The monks' adherence to their ascetic regimen meant that periods of profound, almost debilitating starvation were a regular feature of their spiritual discipline.
Advanced vocabulary: 'ascetic', 'debilitating', 'regimen'.
He articulated his hunger not merely as a physiological need, but as an existential 'peko peko,' a gnawing emptiness that underscored his vulnerability.
He articulated his hunger not merely as a physiological need, but as an existential 'starvation,' a gnawing emptiness that underscored his vulnerability.
Philosophical interpretation of hunger.
The cultural significance of sharing food is such that admitting to being peko peko, especially amongst close relations, is often met with immediate hospitality.
The cultural significance of sharing food is such that admitting to being famished, especially amongst close relations, is often met with immediate hospitality.
Cultural context and social norms.
Her description of the hunger pangs as a 'symphony of peko peko' was a literary flourish designed to convey the sheer intensity of her craving.
Her description of the hunger pangs as a 'symphony of starvation' was a literary flourish designed to convey the sheer intensity of her craving.
Literary devices and figurative language.
The archaic texts alluded to a 'peko peko' state as a test of fortitude, wherein hunger was embraced as a path to enlightenment.
The archaic texts alluded to a 'starvation' state as a test of fortitude, wherein hunger was embraced as a path to enlightenment.
Historical and philosophical context.
Modern dietary fads sometimes ironically invoke the visceral 'peko peko' to describe the supposed benefits of intermittent fasting.
Modern dietary fads sometimes ironically invoke the visceral 'starvation' to describe the supposed benefits of intermittent fasting.
Critique of modern trends.
The protagonist's descent into desperation was marked by the escalating 'peko peko,' a constant, gnawing reminder of his isolation.
The protagonist's descent into desperation was marked by the escalating 'starvation,' a constant, gnawing reminder of his isolation.
Narrative use in literature.
Understanding the nuances of mimetic words like 'peko peko' offers profound insight into the expressive capabilities of the Japanese language.
Understanding the nuances of mimetic words like 'starvation' offers profound insight into the expressive capabilities of the Japanese language.
Linguistic analysis of onomatopoeia.
ترکیبهای رایج
Idioms & Expressions
"お腹がぺこぺこ (Onaka ga peko peko)"
My stomach is very hungry.
お腹がぺこぺこなので、ラーメンを食べに行きましょう。
casual"ぺこぺこで死にそう (Peko peko de shinisou)"
I'm starving to death! (Hyperbole)
朝から何も食べてないから、ぺこぺこで死にそうだよ！
casual"ぺこぺこ状態 (Peko peko joutai)"
The state of being very hungry.
会議が長引いて、もうぺこぺこ状態だ。
casual"お腹が空いた (Onaka ga suita)"
I'm hungry. (More neutral than peko peko)
お腹が空いたから、何か食べよう。
neutral"腹ペコ (Harapeko)"
Very hungry (Slightly more masculine/blunt than onaka ga peko peko)
腹ペコだから、唐揚げ定食にする。
casual"飢えている (Uete iru)"
To be starving (often used in more serious or literary contexts)
彼は飢えているように見えた。
formal/literaryEasily Confused
Similar sound, both related to 'peko'.
'Pekori' is an adverb meaning 'with a slight bow' or 'nodding'. It's about physical movement, not hunger.
彼はぺこりとお辞儀をした。(Kare wa pekori to ojigi o shita.) - He bowed slightly.
Both relate to hunger.
'Onaka ga suita' is the standard, neutral way to say 'I'm hungry'. 'Peko peko' is much stronger and more onomatopoeic.
お腹が空いたので、何か食べます。(Onaka ga suita node, nanika tabemasu.) - I'm hungry, so I'll eat something. (Neutral) vs. お腹がぺこぺこ！早く食べたい！(Onaka ga peko peko! Hayaku tabetai!) - I'm starving! I want to eat quickly! (Intense)
Both mean very hungry and sound similar.
'Harapeko' is a more colloquial, slightly more masculine or blunt term for being very hungry. 'Peko peko' is more onomatopoeic and often considered cuter.
腹ペコだから、ラーメン大盛り！(Harapeko dakara, raamen oomori!) - I'm starving, so I'll have a large ramen!
Related to eating, similar sound structure.
'Mogumogu' is onomatopoeia for chewing food quietly or contentedly. It describes the action of eating, not the state of hunger.
彼はもぐもぐとパンを食べている。(Kare wa mogumogu to pan o tabete iru.) - He is chewing bread contentedly.
Sentence Patterns
Noun + が + ぺこぺこ
お腹がぺこぺこです。
Adverb + ぺこぺこ
とてもぺこぺこです。
〜て + ぺこぺこ
朝から何も食べてなくて、ぺこぺこです。
ぺこぺこ + な + Noun
ぺこぺこな子供たちがお菓子を欲しがった。
〜みたいだ/そうだ + ぺこぺこ
彼はもうぺこぺこみたいだ。
خانواده کلمه
Nouns
Adjectives
مرتبط
How to Use It
Formality Scale
اشتباهات رایج
'Peko peko' is very casual and onomatopoeic, unsuitable for formal settings.
While the sounds are similar, the context and meaning are entirely different.
'Peko peko' implies significant, often rumbling hunger, not just a little bit.
While 'peko peko' can sometimes act as a na-adjective, the fixed phrase with 'onaka ga' is the most common.
Direct translation of English expressions doesn't always work; 'peko peko' is the established Japanese term.
Tips
Sound Association
Imagine your stomach making a 'peko-peko' sound like a funny little drum when you're super hungry. Associate the sound with the feeling.
Casual Conversations Only!
Remember, 'peko peko' is for chatting with friends and family. Avoid it in formal settings like job interviews or academic lectures.
Cute & Expressive
The word often has a cute or endearing connotation, especially when used by or about children. It adds personality to your speech.
The Magic Phrase
The most common way to use it is 'Onaka ga peko peko' (お腹がぺこぺこ). Memorize this phrase first!
Keep it Rhythmic
Say 'peh-koh, peh-koh' with a steady, even rhythm. Don't stress one syllable too much.
Don't Bow Your Way to Hunger!
Be careful! The word 'peko' (or similar sounds) can relate to bowing. Always ensure the context is about hunger.
It's All About the Sound!
'Peko peko' is onomatopoeia – a word that imitates a sound. It's like the 'buzz' of a bee or the 'meow' of a cat, but for your hungry tummy!
Use it in Context
The next time you watch anime or read manga and a character says 'peko peko', pause and think: why are they saying it? What just happened?
Hunger Spectrum
Think of hunger on a scale: slightly hungry (peckish), hungry (onaka ga suita), very hungry (peko peko), starving (onaka ga hetta / uete iru).
Act it Out!
When you feel really hungry, physically hold your stomach and say 'Peko peko!' It helps connect the word to the sensation.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of your stomach going 'Peko! Peko!' like a little drum when it's empty.
Visual Association
Imagine a cartoon stomach with big, round 'Peko' sound effects coming out of it.
Word Web
چالش
Say 'I'm peko peko!' out loud the next time you feel really hungry. Notice the sound and feeling.
ریشه کلمه
Japanese
Original meaning: The sound or sensation of an empty, rumbling stomach.
بافت فرهنگی
Generally not sensitive, but like any expression of extreme need, context matters. Using it inappropriately in a very formal setting could be seen as childish or out of place.
While English has words like 'famished' or 'starving', 'peko peko' carries a unique, often cute or childlike connotation that isn't directly replicated. It's frequently used in anime and manga, making it recognizable to fans.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Daily meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- お腹がぺこぺこ！早く食べたい！
- もうすぐランチの時間だ、ぺこぺこしてきた。
- 夕食までまだ時間があるけど、もうぺこぺこだよ。
After physical activity (sports, hiking)
- 運動の後、みんなぺこぺこだ。
- ハイキングで歩き疲れて、ぺこぺこになった。
- 試合が終わったら、まず何か食べなきゃ。ぺこぺこで動けない。
Talking with friends/family
- ねえ、私、今すごくぺこぺこなんだ。
- 今日の晩ご飯は何？もうぺこぺこだよ。
- お菓子食べる？私もちょっとぺこぺこしてたんだ。
In media (anime, manga, games)
- （キャラクターが）「ぺこぺこ〜」と言いながらお腹を押さえる。
- 「今日の晩御飯は豪華だ！ぺこぺこだから楽しみ！」
- 「こんなに働かされたら、そりゃぺこぺこにもなるよ。」
Conversation Starters
"What's the most delicious thing you crave when you're 'peko peko'?"
"Can you describe a time you were so 'peko peko' you almost couldn't wait any longer?"
"If your stomach could talk, what would it say when you're 'peko peko'?"
"How do you usually say 'I'm very hungry' in your native language? Is there a similar expressive word?"
"What's your go-to meal when you feel 'peko peko' after a long day?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a memorable meal you had when you were extremely 'peko peko'. What made it special?
Write a short story about a character who is 'peko peko' and their quest for food.
Reflect on the difference between being slightly hungry and being 'peko peko'. How does it affect your mood and actions?
Imagine you could invent a new food specifically for when you feel 'peko peko'. What would it be like?
سوالات متداول
8 سوالWhile most commonly used for people, you might hear it playfully used for pets (like a cat or dog) that are clearly hungry.
Yes, it often functions like a na-adjective, especially in phrases like 'onaka ga peko peko', where it describes the state of the stomach.
'Onaka ga suita' is the standard, neutral way to say 'I'm hungry.' 'Peko peko' implies a much stronger, more noticeable hunger, often with rumbling sounds.
It's not rude, but it is very casual. Using it in a formal setting might seem inappropriate or childish.
Primarily, yes. It's onomatopoeic for the sound and feeling of an empty stomach. However, it's used figuratively to express the *state* of extreme hunger.
Yes, you can say things like 'He looks peko peko' (彼はぺこぺこそうだ - Kare wa peko peko sou da) meaning 'He looks very hungry.'
There isn't a single perfect equivalent. 'Famished,' 'starving,' or 'ravenous' capture the intensity, but lack the onomatopoeic and often cute feel of 'peko peko.'
It's most commonly written in hiragana as ぺこぺこ. Sometimes you might see it in katakana ペコペコ, especially in manga or for emphasis.
خودت رو بسنج
My tummy is ____.
'Peko peko' means very hungry, which fits the context of a tummy needing food.
What does 'peko peko' mean?
'Peko peko' is used to describe the feeling of being extremely hungry.
You can use 'peko peko' in a formal business presentation.
'Peko peko' is a casual, onomatopoeic word and is not suitable for formal situations.
Word
معنی
Matching English and Japanese terms for hunger levels.
The correct sentence is 'I'm so peko peko after missed lunch.'
After the long hike, we were all ______.
'Peko peko' fits the context of extreme hunger after physical activity.
Which phrase best captures the nuance of 'peko peko'?
'Peko peko' specifically denotes a strong, often audibly noticeable hunger.
'Peko peko' is a formal Japanese term for hunger used in academic writing.
'Peko peko' is informal and onomatopoeic; formal terms like '空腹 (kuufuku)' are used in academic writing.
I want to eat because I am ____.
The sentence expresses a desire to eat due to hunger.
Give one common Japanese phrase using 'peko peko'.
This is the most standard way to say 'I'm very hungry' in Japanese.
امتیاز: /10
Summary
Use 'peko peko' when your stomach is rumbling loudly and you're seriously hungry – it's a fun, expressive word!
- ぺこぺこ (peko peko) is a Japanese adverb for being extremely hungry.
- It's onomatopoeic, mimicking the sound of a rumbling stomach.
- Commonly used in the phrase 'Onaka ga peko peko' (お腹がぺこぺこ).
- It's casual and best used in informal situations.
Sound Association
Imagine your stomach making a 'peko-peko' sound like a funny little drum when you're super hungry. Associate the sound with the feeling.
Casual Conversations Only!
Remember, 'peko peko' is for chatting with friends and family. Avoid it in formal settings like job interviews or academic lectures.
Cute & Expressive
The word often has a cute or endearing connotation, especially when used by or about children. It adds personality to your speech.
The Magic Phrase
The most common way to use it is 'Onaka ga peko peko' (お腹がぺこぺこ). Memorize this phrase first!
مثال
お腹がぺこぺこだ。何か食べたい。
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این کلمه در زبانهای دیگر
قواعد مرتبط
واژههای بیشتر emotions
ぼんやり
B1Vaguely; absentmindedly; dimly.
夢中
B1Absorption; engrossment; infatuation.
受け止める
B1To accept; to take; to grasp.
達成感
B1Sense of accomplishment.
ひしひしと
B1Acutely; keenly; strongly (feeling something).
適応する
B1To adapt; to adjust.
健気な
B2Brave, admirable, or plucky (especially of a weaker person).
感心な
B1Admirable; deserving admiration.
感心
B1Admiration, impression, or being impressed.
感心する
B1To be impressed; to admire.
