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B1 adverb #8,000 le plus courant 10 min de lecture

ぴんぴん

Top 8,000

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces ぴんぴん en 30 secondes

Explication ぴんぴん in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of 'pinpin' as a special way to say 'super healthy.' Usually, we learn 'genki' first. 'Pinpin' is more like saying someone is energetic and strong, especially an old person like a grandfather or grandmother. It's a fun word because it sounds like a spring bouncing. You use it with 'shite iru' (doing/being). For example: 'Ojiichan wa pinpin shite iru' (Grandpa is very healthy). You might hear it when people talk about their pets or their family. It is a friendly and happy word. Just remember, it's mostly for people who are older or people who were sick but now are suddenly very good and strong again.

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For A2 learners, 'pinpin' is an onomatopoeic word (gitaigo) that describes a state of physical vigor. While 'genki' is a general word for 'fine' or 'well,' 'pinpin' specifically emphasizes being 'hale and hearty.' It is often used to express relief or surprise. For instance, if a friend was sick last week but you see them running today, you can say they are 'pinpin.' It is very common to hear this word in conversations about the elderly. It creates a picture of someone who is active, moving well, and not showing signs of age. Grammatically, you will usually see it as 'pinpin shite iru.' It can also describe very fresh fish in a market!

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At the B1 level, you should start noticing the specific nuances of 'pinpin.' It is a mimetic word that evokes the image of a taut, resilient string or a lively, jumping fish. Its primary use is to describe elderly people who maintain surprising physical robustness or individuals who have made a full, energetic recovery from illness. It contrasts with 'genki' in that 'pinpin' focuses specifically on physical resilience and independence. A common cultural concept is 'pin-pin korori'—the wish to live a long, active life and die quickly without a long period of bedridden illness. Understanding 'pinpin' helps you grasp the Japanese value placed on active aging and physical vitality.

At the B2 level, you can use 'pinpin' to add color and precision to your descriptions of health. It functions as an adverbial noun. Beyond health, it can describe the 'crispness' of objects, like a starched shirt collar or a new bill. This 'crispness' or 'tension' is the underlying semantic link between all its uses. You should be careful with the register; while it's common in daily life, it might be too colloquial for formal business writing. Also, distinguish it from 'binbin' (strong vibration/slang for arousal) and 'hatsuratsu' (radiant energy). 'Pinpin' is specifically about the 'firmness' and 'resilience' of the body or an object's state.

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For C1 learners, 'pinpin' offers a window into the Japanese expressive system of 'gitaigo.' Its etymology relates to the tension of a bowstring or the snapping of a small object. In a social context, it often carries a subtext of admiration for one's 'life force' (seimeiryoku). You might encounter it in literature to describe the stubborn vitality of a character. It’s important to master the 'pinpin to [verb]' versus 'pinpin shite iru' distinction. The former emphasizes the manner of an action (like a fish jumping), while the latter describes a sustained state. Using 'pinpin' correctly demonstrates a high level of cultural fluency, particularly in how you discuss aging and recovery in a way that feels authentically Japanese.

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At the C2 level, 'pinpin' is understood not just as a vocabulary item but as a cultural marker. It embodies the 'active senior' (akutibu shinia) ideal in Japanese society. You can analyze its usage in media to see how it shapes the narrative of 'successful aging.' Furthermore, you can explore its metaphorical extensions in specialized fields—for instance, how it might be used in a craft context to describe the tension of materials. A C2 speaker understands the subtle irony when 'pinpin' is used sarcastically and knows exactly when to swap it for more formal honorifics like 'sukoyaka' or 'kenko' depending on the social hierarchy and the specific nuance of 'health' being discussed.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

ぴんぴん en 30 secondes

Describes someone who is hale, hearty, and full of vigor, especially unexpected for their age or health history.
Rooted in the image of a taut string or a jumping fish, signifying resilience and life force.
Commonly used as 'pinpin shite iru' for people or 'pinpin to' for energetic actions.
Culturally associated with the ideal of 'pin-pin korori'—a long, active life followed by a quick death.

The Japanese word ぴんぴん (pinpin) is a fascinating example of Japanese onomatopoeia, specifically categorized as gitaigo (mimetic words that describe states or conditions). At its core, it describes someone who is full of life, energy, and physical vigor, particularly when such vitality might be unexpected. Imagine a rubber band that is pulled tight and snaps back with force, or a fresh fish jumping energetically on a boat deck; that sense of 'snap' and 'liveliness' is the essence of ぴんぴん.

The Visual Image: Think of a taut string or a spring. The word evokes a sense of tension and resilience. In a human context, it means the body is not sagging or weak but is 'tight' and functional.
The Element of Surprise: We most frequently use this word to describe elderly people who are surprisingly active, or someone who has made a miraculous recovery from a serious illness or injury. It highlights the contrast between expected frailty and actual strength.
Grammatical Flexibility: While often used as an adverb with the particle 'to' (ぴんぴんと), it is most commonly paired with the verb 'suru' (to do) in its continuous form: ぴんぴんしている.

うちの祖父は90歳ですが、まだぴんぴんしています。
(My grandfather is 90 years old, but he is still hale and hearty.)

In Japanese culture, longevity is highly respected, and the ideal of 'pin-pin korori' (living vigorously until the very end and then passing away quickly and painlessly) is a common aspiration. This cultural nuance makes the word much more than a simple synonym for 'healthy.' It carries a connotation of independence and a life lived with spirit. When you see an old man hiking a steep mountain or an old woman working actively in her garden, you aren't just seeing 'genki' (health); you are seeing the 'pinpin' state of being physically resilient.

退院したばかりなのに、彼はもう外でぴんぴんと走り回っている。
(Even though he just got out of the hospital, he’s already running around outside full of vigor.)

Furthermore, ぴんぴん can also describe the freshness of fish. A fish that is 'pinpin shite iru' is one that is still moving or has the firm texture of a catch that was alive just moments ago. This usage reinforces the idea of 'life force' and 'firmness' as the core semantic components. If you go to a fish market in Japan, hearing a vendor shout about how 'pinpin' their fish is serves as a guarantee of quality and freshness.

この魚、まだぴんぴん跳ねているよ！
(This fish is still jumping around with so much life!)

Register and Context: While not 'slang,' it is a colloquial and expressive word. You will hear it in daily conversation, in hospital waiting rooms, and among family members. It is perfectly polite for general use but might be replaced by more formal terms like 'gosukoyaka' (healthy/vigorous) in very formal speeches or written honors for the elderly.

In summary, when you use pinpin, you are painting a picture of lively resilience. It is the sound of a string that won't break and a spirit that refuses to slow down despite age or past illness. It is a word of celebration for the enduring human body.

Using ぴんぴん effectively requires understanding its grammatical placement and the specific verbs it likes to hang out with. It functions primarily as an adverb, but like many Japanese mimetic words, it often takes the -suru form to describe a state of being.

The 'State' Pattern: The most common way to use it is [Subject] wa ぴんぴんしている. This describes a current, ongoing state of health and vigor. It is the default way to say someone is 'hale and hearty.'
The 'Action' Pattern: When used with verbs of motion like haneru (to jump) or ugoku (to move), it takes the particle to: ぴんぴんと跳ねる. This emphasizes the energetic, bouncy quality of the movement.

彼は大病を患ったが、今はぴんぴんして働いている。
(He suffered a major illness, but now he is working and is full of vigor.)

One key nuance to remember is that ぴんぴん is often used to reassure someone or to express surprise. If someone asks, 'How is your grandmother doing after her surgery?' responding with 'She's pinpin!' is the perfect way to convey that she is not just 'okay' but surprisingly lively and active.

In more literary or descriptive contexts, you might see ぴんぴん used to describe inanimate objects that have a certain 'snap' or 'stiffness.' For example, a starched shirt or a brand new banknote might be described as pinpin shite iru because they are crisp and firm, not limp or wrinkled.

アイロンをかけたばかりのシャツは、襟がぴんぴんに立っている。
(The collar of the shirt I just ironed is standing up perfectly crisp.)

Common Verb Pairings

ぴんぴんしている (Pinpin shite iru): To be lively/healthy.
ぴんぴん生きる (Pinpin ikiru): To live vigorously.
ぴんぴん跳ねる (Pinpin haneru): To jump/bounce energetically.

Finally, let's look at the negative form. While rare, you might hear pinpin shite inai to mean someone isn't as lively as they used to be, but usually, people just use other words for 'unhealthy.' The word is inherently positive and energetic, so it is most powerful when used in its affirmative forms to celebrate life.

100歳までぴんぴんと元気に過ごしたいものです。
(I want to live vigorously and healthily until I'm 100 years old.)

If you spend time in Japan, you will encounter ぴんぴん in several distinct environments. It is a word that bridges the gap between casual family talk and specific commercial contexts.

At the Hospital or Clinic: This is perhaps the most common place. Doctors might use it to describe a patient's excellent recovery: 'You're already pinpin!' Nurses and family members use it to express relief. It signals that the danger has passed and the person has regained their 'snap.'
Family Gatherings (O-Bon or New Year): When relatives meet after a long time, the health of the elders is a primary topic. 'Grandma, you're still so pinpin!' is a high compliment. It acknowledges her vitality and independence.

「おじいちゃん、まだゴルフに行ってるの？」「ああ、まだぴんぴんしてるからな！」
('Grandpa, are you still going golfing?' 'Yeah, because I'm still full of vigor!')

In the media, especially in news segments about Japan's aging population, you will hear ぴんぴん used to describe active seniors who participate in community events or start new businesses in their 80s. It represents the 'active senior' demographic that Japan is very proud of.

このサプリメントを飲めば、毎日ぴんぴんと過ごせます！
(Take this supplement and you can spend every day full of vigor!)

Lastly, the fish market (Tsukiji or Toyosu) is a sensory-rich place where you will hear this word. Fishmongers use it as a technical term for freshness. A fish that is pinpin is one that is still 'tight' and hasn't gone limp. It is a sign of the highest quality for sushi and sashimi.

見てください、このアジ！まだぴんぴん動いていますよ。
(Look at this horse mackerel! It's still moving with so much life.)

Whether in a sterile hospital or a salty fish market, ぴんぴん is the sound of life force refusing to give up. It is a word that brings a smile to people's faces because it represents the triumph of vitality over time and illness.

While ぴんぴん is a fun and expressive word, there are several pitfalls for learners, ranging from phonetic confusion to social faux pas.

Confusion with 'Binbin' (びんびん): This is the most common mistake. While pinpin is about health and resilience, binbin describes a strong vibration or a piercing feeling (like a loud sound or a strong smell). In modern slang, binbin can also have a sexual connotation (referring to an erection), so mixing up the 'P' and 'B' sounds can lead to very awkward situations!
Misapplying to Young People: As mentioned before, pinpin carries a nuance of 'surprising vitality.' If you tell a healthy 20-year-old colleague they are 'pinpin,' they might look at you confused, thinking you thought they were sick or that you are treating them like an elderly person. Use 'genki' or 'hatsuratsu' for younger people instead.

❌ 20歳の彼に向かって：「君は今日もぴんぴんしているね」
(To a 20-year-old: 'You are so hale and hearty today too.') - Sounds weirdly patronizing.

Another mistake is using it for general 'happiness' or 'mental health.' ぴんぴん is strictly physical. You can be pinpin (physically vigorous) but feel very sad or depressed. If you want to say someone is 'doing well' in a general sense (including mentally), use 'genki ni shite iru.'

Finally, be careful with the word pikapika (shiny). Because they both start with 'pi' and are repetitive, beginners sometimes swap them. Telling an old person they are 'pikapika' means they are literally glowing or shiny (maybe their bald head?), which is quite different from saying they are 'pinpin' (healthy)!

❌ おじいちゃん、ぴかぴかですね！
(Grandpa, you're so shiny!) - Unless he's wearing glitter, this is the wrong 'pi' word.

To avoid these mistakes, always visualize the 'taut string.' If the situation involves physical resilience and a bit of 'snap,' then ぴんぴん is your best friend. In other cases, stick to the safer, more general terms.

Japanese has a rich vocabulary for health and vitality. Understanding how ぴんぴん differs from its cousins will help you sound more like a native speaker.

元気 (Genki): The most common word. It covers both physical health and mental spirit. Unlike pinpin, it is used for all ages and doesn't imply a 'surprise' recovery. If pinpin is 'hale and hearty,' genki is simply 'well' or 'energetic.'
はつらつ (Hatsuratsu): Often used as seiki-hatsuratsu. It describes a youthful, overflowing energy and brightness. While pinpin is about physical resilience (not breaking), hatsuratsu is about the radiant output of energy. It is common in sports contexts.
健やか (Sukoyaka): A more formal and 'wholesome' word. It is often used for the healthy growth of children or in formal well-wishing. It lacks the 'snappy' and colloquial feel of pinpin.

Comparison Chart:
• ぴんぴん: Resilience, recovery, elderly vigor (Colloquial).
• 元気: General health, spirit (Standard).
• はつらつ: Radiant, youthful energy (Descriptive).
• 健やか: Wholesome, formal health (Formal).

There is also the term しゃっきり (Shakkiri). This describes someone who is alert, upright, and has a clear mind. While pinpin is about the body's strength, shakkiri is often more about the posture and the mental state. An old person who is 'pinpin' can walk long distances; an old person who is 'shakkiri' speaks clearly and stands up straight.

Finally, consider いきいき (Iki-iki). This means 'lively' or 'vividly.' It is used for someone whose eyes sparkle or someone who is doing their work with great passion. You can be iki-iki while sitting at a desk, but pinpin usually requires some level of physical robustness.

彼は引退後も趣味に打ち込んで、毎日いきいきと過ごしている。
(After retirement, he has been devoted to his hobbies and spends every day vividly/lively.)

By choosing between pinpin, genki, and iki-iki, you can precisely describe the kind of vitality you are witnessing. Pinpin remains the king of 'physical resilience against the odds.'

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The 'pin' in 'pinpin' is linguistically related to the word for a bowstring being taut. This is why the word conveys a sense of 'firmness' and 'not sagging.'

Guide de prononciation

UK /pɪn.pɪn/

US /pɪn.pɪn/

Even stress on both 'pin' syllables. No rising or falling pitch accent typically affects the core meaning.

Rime avec

Kin-kin (high-pitched) Rin-rin (ringing) Shin-shin (quietly/deeply) Min-min (cicada sound) Bin-bin (vibrating) Kun-kun (sniffing) Pun-pun (smelling/angry) Gan-gan (pounding)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing it as 'binbin' (びんびん), which has a completely different meaning.
Elongating the 'n' too much.
Using a 'peen-peen' sound instead of the short 'pin' sound.
Confusing it with 'pikapika' (shiny).
Confusing it with 'penpen' (the sound of plucking or a thin sound).

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Easy to read in hiragana, but requires understanding the context of mimetic words.

Écriture 1/5

Very simple hiragana characters.

Expression orale 3/5

Requires correct pitch and avoiding confusion with 'binbin'.

Écoute 3/5

Must distinguish from other 'pi' or 'bi' sounds in fast speech.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

元気 (Genki) 魚 (Sakana) おじいさん (Ojiisan) 病気 (Byoujaku) 跳ねる (Haneru)

Apprends ensuite

はつらつ (Hatsuratsu) いきいき (Iki-iki) しゃっきり (Shakkiri) よぼよぼ (Yoboyobo) ころり (Korori)

Avancé

擬態語 (Gitaigo) 健康寿命 (Kenko Jumyo) ピンからキリまで (Pin kara kiri made) 張力 (Chouryoku) 回復 (Kaifuku)

Grammaire à connaître

Mimetic words with 'suru'

ぴんぴんする、わくわくする、にこにこする

Adverbial 'to' with mimetic words

ぴんぴんと跳ねる、ゆっくりと歩く

State vs. Action (te-iru)

ぴんぴんしている (state) vs ぴんぴん跳ねる (action)

Modifying nouns with phrases

ぴんぴんしているおじいさん

Causative/Becoming (ni naru)

元気になってぴんぴんになる

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Exemples par niveau

おじいちゃんは、今日もぴんぴんしています。

Grandpa is very healthy today too.

Uses 'shite iru' to show a current state.

このさかなは、ぴんぴんとはねています。

This fish is jumping energetically.

Uses 'to' to describe the manner of jumping.

びょうきでしたが、もうぴんぴんです。

I was sick, but I'm already full of vigor.

Casual ending with 'desu'.

ねこがぴんぴんとはしっています。

The cat is running around full of energy.

Adverbial use for a pet.

おばあちゃん、ぴんぴんしてね！

Grandma, stay healthy and vigorous!

Imperative/request form 'shite'.

わたしのいぬは、15さいですが、ぴんぴんです。

My dog is 15 years old, but he's still hale and hearty.

Showing contrast with age.

あしたもぴんぴんがんばりましょう。

Let's do our best with lots of energy tomorrow too.

Using it to describe a spirit of effort.

ぴんぴんしているひとがすきです。

I like people who are full of vigor.

Modifying a noun with a verb phrase.

退院してから、彼はぴんぴんして生活しています。

Since leaving the hospital, he has been living vigorously.

Focus on recovery.

市場には、ぴんぴんした新鮮な魚がたくさんあります。

There are many fresh, lively fish in the market.

Using it as an adjective-like phrase for freshness.

90歳になっても、ぴんぴんと歩いています。

Even at 90, they are walking with vigor.

Emphasizing physical movement.

風邪をひいたと言っていたけど、もうぴんぴんしているね。

You said you had a cold, but you're already full of energy, aren't you?

Expressing surprise at a quick recovery.

うちの猫は病気から回復して、またぴんぴん跳ね回っている。

My cat recovered from the illness and is jumping around vigorously again.

Mimetic description of movement.

健康の秘訣は、毎日ぴんぴんと動くことです。

The secret to health is moving vigorously every day.

Using the word as part of a lifestyle description.

彼はもう80歳だが、まだぴんぴんして働いているよ。

He is already 80, but he is still working with lots of vigor.

Contrast between age and work status.

そんなにぴんぴんしているなら、心配ないね。

If you're that full of energy, there's no need to worry.

Conditional 'nara'.

大手術を受けたとは思えないほど、彼はぴんぴんしている。

He is so hale and hearty you wouldn't believe he had major surgery.

Using 'to wa omoenai hodo' for emphasis.

祖母は「ぴんぴんころり」が理想だと言っています。

My grandmother says 'pin-pin korori' is her ideal.

Introducing the cultural idiom.

この薬を飲めば、明日にはぴんぴんになりますよ。

If you take this medicine, you'll be full of vigor by tomorrow.

Becoming a state: 'ni naru'.

彼はぴんぴんした足取りで、山道を登っていった。

He climbed the mountain path with a vigorous stride.

Describing 'ashidori' (stride/gait).

あんなにぴんぴんしていたのに、急に倒れるなんて信じられない。

I can't believe they suddenly collapsed when they were so full of vigor.

Contrast between past vigor and current state.

朝からぴんぴんと家事をこなす母には感心する。

I'm impressed by my mother, who handles housework vigorously from the morning.

Describing the manner of doing chores.

釣ったばかりの魚が、バケツの中でぴんぴん跳ねている。

The fish I just caught is jumping energetically in the bucket.

Classic use for freshness.

彼はまだぴんぴんしているから、引退は先のことだろう。

Since he is still full of vigor, retirement is probably a long way off.

Drawing a conclusion from the state of health.

不摂生な生活をしているのに、彼はなぜかぴんぴんしている。

Despite living an unhealthy lifestyle, he is somehow still hale and hearty.

Contrast with 'fusessei' (neglecting health).

アイロンをかけた後のシャツは、襟がぴんぴんに張っている。

The shirt's collar is stiff and crisp after being ironed.

Metaphorical use for stiffness/tension.

彼はぴんぴんした若さを保つために、毎日欠かさず運動している。

He exercises every single day to maintain a vigorous youthfulness.

Using 'pinpin shita' to modify 'wakasa' (youth).

その老犬は、好物の肉を見るとぴんぴんと尻尾を振った。

The old dog wagged its tail vigorously when it saw its favorite meat.

Describing the manner of an action.

入院中はあんなに弱っていたのに、今ではぴんぴんして庭仕事をしている。

Even though he was so weak during his hospitalization, he's now vigorously doing yard work.

Contrasting 'yowatte ita' with 'pinpin shite iru'.

彼女は100歳を超えても、ぴんぴんと自分の足で歩いているそうだ。

I heard that even after turning 100, she still walks vigorously on her own feet.

Focus on independence and mobility.

この苗はまだぴんぴんしているから、植え替えても大丈夫だ。

This seedling is still resilient, so it's okay to transplant it.

Application to plants.

事故に遭ったと聞いて心配したが、本人はぴんぴんしていた。

I was worried when I heard they were in an accident, but they themselves were completely fine.

Showing unexpected lack of injury.

彼の強靭な精神力は、肉体がぴんぴんしているときこそ発揮される。

His tough mental strength is truly displayed when his body is full of vigor.

Abstract relationship between mind and body.

その古書は、紙質がまだぴんぴんしており、保存状態の良さを物語っている。

The paper of that old book is still crisp, testifying to its excellent state of preservation.

Describing the 'tension' or 'stiffness' of paper.

彼は老境に入ってもなお、ぴんぴんとした覇気を失っていない。

Even as he enters old age, he has not lost his vigorous ambition.

Using 'pinpin shita' to describe 'haki' (ambition/spirit).

病み上がりとは思えぬぴんぴんとした声が、廊下に響き渡った。

A vigorous voice, unthinkable for someone just recovered from illness, echoed through the hallway.

Describing the quality of a voice.

ぴんぴんと張った弓から放たれた矢は、真っ直ぐに的を射抜いた。

The arrow released from the taut bow pierced the target straight on.

Literal use: the tension of a bow.

彼女は長年の苦労を微塵も感じさせないほど、ぴんぴんと明るく振る舞った。

She behaved with such vigor and brightness that one couldn't feel even a hint of her years of hardship.

Describing a social performance of vitality.

この生地は糊が効いていてぴんぴんしているから、縫いやすい。

This fabric is starched and crisp, so it's easy to sew.

Technical use in sewing/textiles.

かつての英雄も、今は見る影もないが、かつてはぴんぴんと戦場を駆けていた。

The former hero is now a shadow of his former self, but once he galloped across the battlefield with vigor.

Historical/narrative contrast.

「ぴんぴん」という擬態語の語源を辿れば、弦楽器の弦が弾ける音に行き着くという説がある。

If one traces the etymology of the mimetic word 'pinpin,' there is a theory that it leads back to the sound of a string instrument's string being plucked.

Etymological discussion.

老いを受け入れることと、ぴんぴんと若作りをすることは、必ずしも矛盾しない。

Accepting old age and acting vigorously with a youthful appearance are not necessarily contradictory.

Philosophical nuance.

生死の境を彷徨った末に、彼はぴんぴんと現世に舞い戻ってきた。

After wandering between life and death, he returned to this world full of vigor.

Dramatic/literary expression.

ぴんぴんと張り詰めた空気の中、二人の剣士は互いの出方を伺っていた。

In the tensely charged atmosphere, the two swordsmen were watching each other's moves.

Describing 'tension' (haritsumeta) in the air.

その建築家は、建物の構造に「ぴんぴん」とした緊張感を持たせることを重視した。

The architect emphasized giving the building's structure a sense of 'pinpin' (taut/resilient) tension.

Abstract application to architecture.

彼は、肉体的な衰えを「ぴんぴん」という言葉の裏に隠そうとしていたのかもしれない。

He might have been trying to hide his physical decline behind the word 'pinpin.'

Psychological analysis of word choice.

地方の漁村では、水揚げされたばかりのぴんぴんした魚が、人々の生活を支えている。

In rural fishing villages, the vigorous fish just landed from the sea support the people's lives.

Sociological context.

「ぴんぴんころり」という死生観は、現代の超高齢社会において新たな意味を持ち始めている。

The view of life and death represented by 'pin-pin korori' is beginning to take on new meaning in today's super-aging society.

Complex sociological discussion.

Synonymes

元気 (Genki) はつらつ (Hatsuratsu) しゃっきり (Shakkiri) 健やか (Sukoyaka) いきいき (Iki-iki) 屈強 (Kukkyou) 達者 (Tassha) 頑健 (Ganken)

Antonymes

よぼよぼ (Yoboyobo) ぐったり (Guttari) へなへな (Henahena) 病弱 (Byoujaku)

Collocations courantes

ぴんぴんしている

ぴんぴんと跳ねる

ぴんぴんと歩く

ぴんぴんした元気

ぴんぴんころり

ぴんぴんと張る

ぴんぴんした声

ぴんぴん働く

ぴんぴん生きる

ぴんぴんの若さ

Phrases Courantes

まだぴんぴんしている

— Still hale and hearty. Used to emphasize that someone hasn't weakened yet.

彼は80歳だが、まだぴんぴんしている。

ぴんぴんして戻ってくる

— To return full of vigor. Often used after a trip or a hospital stay.

入院していたが、ぴんぴんして戻ってきた。

ぴんぴんした魚

— Very fresh fish. A common phrase in markets and restaurants.

ぴんぴんした魚を刺身にする。

ぴんぴん元気

— A colloquial combination of 'pinpin' and 'genki' for emphasis.

おばあちゃんはぴんぴん元気だよ。

ぴんぴん動き回る

— To move around energetically.

子供がぴんぴん動き回っている。

ぴんぴんした足取り

— A vigorous, steady gait.

ぴんぴんした足取りで散歩する。

襟がぴんぴん

— A crisp, stiff collar (usually from starching).

シャツの襟がぴんぴんに立っている。

ぴんぴん長生き

— Living a long and vigorous life.

ぴんぴん長生きしたいものだ。

ぴんぴん跳ねる

— Bouncing or jumping with lots of energy.

エビがぴんぴん跳ねている。

ぴんぴんした若者

— A vigorous youth (less common, usually used for contrast).

ぴんぴんした若者に負けたくない。

Souvent confondu avec

ぴんぴん vs びんびん (Binbin)

Means vibrating strongly or a sharp sensation. Can have sexual slang meanings. 'Pinpin' is health; 'Binbin' is vibration.

ぴんぴん vs ぴかぴか (Pikapika)

Means shiny or sparkling. Don't tell an old person they are 'pikapika' unless they are literally glowing!

ぴんぴん vs ぺんぺん (Penpen)

The sound of plucking a thin string or a slapping sound. Lacks the vigor of 'pinpin'.

Expressions idiomatiques

"ぴんぴんころり (PPK)"

— The ideal of living a healthy, active life (pinpin) and then dying suddenly/quickly (korori) without suffering or being bedridden.

多くの日本人がぴんぴんころりを願っている。

Colloquial/Cultural

"ぴんぴん物"

— Something that is very fresh or high quality (slang in fish markets).

今日はぴんぴん物が入ってるよ！

Slang

"ぴんぴん鳴る"

— The sound of a string being plucked sharply or vibrating.

三味線の糸がぴんぴん鳴る。

Literal/Onomatopoeic

"ぴんぴん張る"

— To stretch something extremely tight.

ロープをぴんぴんに張る。

Neutral

"ぴんぴん飛び出す"

— To pop out or jump out with force.

箱からぴんぴん飛び出す。

Neutral

"ぴんぴんした目"

— Sharp, energetic eyes (rare).

ぴんぴんした目をした老人。

Descriptive

"ぴんぴん育つ"

— To grow vigorously (used for plants or children).

苗がぴんぴん育っている。

Neutral

"ぴんぴん跳ねる若さ"

— A metaphor for the bouncing energy of youth.

ぴんぴん跳ねる若さが羨ましい。

Literary

"ぴんぴんしているうちに"

— While one is still vigorous and healthy.

ぴんぴんしているうちに旅行に行こう。

Neutral

"ぴんぴんした人生"

— A vigorous, active life.

ぴんぴんした人生を送りたい。

Descriptive

Facile à confondre

ぴんぴん vs 元気 (Genki)

Both mean healthy.

'Genki' is general; 'Pinpin' is about resilience, surprise, and physical vigor.

Young people are 'genki'; healthy 90-year-olds are 'pinpin'.

ぴんぴん vs はつらつ (Hatsuratsu)

Both describe energy.

'Hatsuratsu' is radiant/youthful energy; 'Pinpin' is 'snappy' physical resilience.

A cheerleader is 'hatsuratsu'; a recovered surgery patient is 'pinpin'.

ぴんぴん vs いきいき (Iki-iki)

Both mean lively.

'Iki-iki' is about spirit and passion; 'Pinpin' is about the physical body.

An artist is 'iki-iki'; a hiker is 'pinpin'.

ぴんぴん vs しゃっきり (Shakkiri)

Both describe a 'tight' state.

'Shakkiri' is about mental clarity and upright posture; 'Pinpin' is about overall vigor.

After coffee you feel 'shakkiri'; after a rest you feel 'pinpin'.

ぴんぴん vs しっかり (Shikkari)

Both imply strength.

'Shikkari' means reliable, firm, or holding tight; 'Pinpin' is about life force.

Hold the rope 'shikkari'; live your life 'pinpin'.

Structures de phrases

[Subject] wa pinpin shite iru.

Inu wa pinpin shite iru.

[Subject] wa mada pinpin da.

Sofu wa mada pinpin da.

Pinpin to [Verb].

Pinpin to haneru.

Pinpin shita [Noun].

Pinpin shita sakana.

[Clause] hodo pinpin shite iru.

Byouki datta to wa omoenai hodo pinpin shite iru.

Pinpin korori wo negau.

Ojiichan wa pinpin korori wo negatte iru.

Pinpin shite modoru.

Kaze ga naotte pinpin shite modotta.

Pinpin ni haru.

Ito wo pinpin ni haru.

Famille de mots

Noms

ぴんぴんころり (the ideal of healthy longevity)

Verbes

ぴんぴんする (to be vigorous)

Adjectifs

ぴんぴんした (vigorous/hale)

Apparenté

ぴん (pin - tension/one)

ぴんと (pinto - with a snap)

ぴんからきりまで (from best to worst)

ぴんしゃり (crisp/firm)

ぴんとはねる (to snap/jump)

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

High in daily conversation, especially among middle-aged and elderly speakers.

Erreurs courantes

Using 'binbin' (びんびん) instead of 'pinpin'. → ぴんぴん
'Binbin' can have sexual connotations or refer to vibrations. It's a very embarrassing mistake!
Using 'pinpin' for a healthy toddler. → 元気 (Genki)
'Pinpin' implies a surprising resilience, which doesn't apply to babies whose health is expected.
Saying 'pinpin na' (ぴんぴんな). → ぴんぴんしている (pinpin shite iru)
While 'pinpin na' is sometimes used, the verb form 'shite iru' is much more natural for describing a state.
Confusing 'pinpin' with 'pikapika'. → ぴんぴん
'Pikapika' means shiny. An old person is 'pinpin' (healthy), not 'pikapika' (sparkling).
Using 'pinpin' for mental happiness. → 元気 (Genki) or 幸せ (Shiawase)
'Pinpin' is specifically about physical vigor and resilience.

Astuces

The Grandpa Word

Think of 'pinpin' as the ultimate compliment for an elderly person. It acknowledges their strength and independence.

Freshness Check

If you're at a sushi restaurant and the chef says the fish is 'pinpin,' you know you're getting the best quality catch.

Suru vs To

Use 'shite iru' for a long-term state (health) and 'to' for a quick action (jumping).

PPK Goal

Understanding 'pin-pin korori' will help you understand Japanese attitudes toward aging and death.

Sharp P

Make the 'P' sound sharp and explosive to mimic the 'snap' the word represents.

Safety Pin

A safety pin is small but holds everything together tightly. A 'pinpin' person is just as sturdy!

Avoid Sarcasm

Don't use it for someone who is clearly struggling; it can come across as mocking their lack of vigor.

Context is King

If you hear 'pinpin' in a hospital, it's about recovery. In a market, it's about fish. In a house, it's about grandparents.

Mimetic Style

Using mimetic words like 'pinpin' makes your Japanese sound much more natural and expressive than just using 'genki'.

Taut String

Always visualize a taut string. If the situation feels 'limp,' 'pinpin' is the wrong word.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a safety **pin**. It is small but **strong** and **tight**. If you are **pin-pin**, you are as strong and resilient as a metal pin!

Association visuelle

Imagine a bright green spring bouncing up and down. That 'boing-boing' energy is exactly what 'pin-pin' feels like in Japanese.

Word Web

Health Vigor Resilience Elderly Fresh Fish Tension Recovery Energy

Défi

Try to use 'pinpin' to describe a pet or an elderly relative to a Japanese speaker today. See if they smile at your expressive word choice!

Origine du mot

Derived from the onomatopoeic sound of a string being plucked or something being pulled taut. The 'p' sound in Japanese often signifies a sharp, popping, or energetic start.

Sens originel : The sound of tension or snapping.

Japanese Onomatopoeia (Gitaigo).

Contexte culturel

Be careful not to sound like you are surprised someone is healthy 'despite' their age when talking to superiors. It can sound slightly patronizing if the social distance is great.

The closest English equivalents are 'hale and hearty' or 'spry,' but 'pinpin' is much more common in daily conversation than these English terms.

Pin-pin Korori (Cultural concept/movement) Commercials for supplements like 'Glucosamine' Fishermen's jargon in various Japanese documentaries

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Talking about elderly relatives.

まだぴんぴんしている
ぴんぴん長生きしてほしい
ぴんぴん元気だ
ぴんぴんと歩く

At a fish market.

ぴんぴんした魚
ぴんぴん跳ねている
鮮度抜群でぴんぴんだ
ぴんぴんの活き

Discussing recovery from illness.

もうぴんぴんしている
ぴんぴんになって退院した
嘘みたいにぴんぴんだ
ぴんぴん動ける

Describing crisp objects.

襟がぴんぴん
ぴんぴんに張った糸
お札がぴんぴん
ぴんぴんのシャツ

Wishes for the future.

ぴんぴんころりがいい
100歳までぴんぴん
ぴんぴん過ごす
ぴんぴんした老後

Amorces de conversation

"「おじいさまはお元気ですか？」「ええ、おかげさまで、まだぴんぴんしております。」"

"「この魚、すごく新鮮そうですね！」「ええ、まだぴんぴん跳ねてますよ。」"

"「退院おめでとうございます。もう大丈夫ですか？」「はい、もうぴんぴんしています！」"

"「健康のために何かしていますか？」「毎日ぴんぴん歩くようにしています。」"

"「理想の老後はどんな感じですか？」「やっぱり、ぴんぴんころりですね。」"

Sujets d'écriture

あなたの周りに、90歳を過ぎても「ぴんぴん」している人はいますか？その人の健康の秘訣は何だと思いますか？

あなたが「ぴんぴん」元気でいるために、毎日欠かさず行っている習慣について書いてください。

「ぴんぴんころり」という考え方について、あなたはどう思いますか？自分の死生観と照らし合わせて書いてみましょう。

病気から回復して「ぴんぴん」になった時のエピソードを詳しく思い出して書いてください。

市場で「ぴんぴん」した新鮮な食材を見つけた時の感動を、擬態語を交えて描写してください。

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

It's unusual. 'Pinpin' implies a resilience that is notable. For a baby, 'genki' or 'sukoyaka' is much more natural because babies are expected to be full of life. Using 'pinpin' might sound like the baby just recovered from something serious.

It is a popular Japanese phrase expressing the ideal way to age: staying 'pinpin' (hale and hearty) until the very end, and then dying 'korori' (suddenly/easily) without a long period of being bedridden or suffering.

Yes, it is perfectly polite for general conversation. However, in very formal honorific speech (Keigo), you would use words like 'gokenko' or 'gosukoyaka' to describe someone else's health to show more respect.

No, it is strictly about physical state and vigor. If you want to describe a lively personality, use 'akaru' (bright) or 'genki'.

Yes! You can use it to describe a seedling or a plant that is standing up straight and looking very healthy and resilient. 'Kono nae wa pinpin shite iru' is a natural sentence.

In Japanese, they are written the same (ぴんぴん). Sometimes in English transliteration, people add a hyphen, but the meaning and pronunciation remain identical.

Generally no. It is a very positive word. However, if used sarcastically (e.g., 'Oh, you look pinpin enough to work!'), it could be used to dismiss someone's complaints of being tired.

Because a very fresh fish jumps and twitches with a 'snappy' motion. This physical 'snap' is the core meaning of 'pinpin,' so it perfectly describes a fish that was just caught.

It's a bit risky. It might imply you think they are old. It's safer to say 'Itsumo ogenki desu ne' (You are always healthy) unless you have a very close, casual relationship.

'Pinpin' is about health and resilience. 'Binbin' is about strong vibrations, piercing sounds/smells, or in slang, sexual arousal. Be very careful with the 'P' and 'B' sounds!

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