Peko-peko is the go-to casual onomatopoeia for feeling extremely hungry.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used to describe being very hungry.
- Commonly used in casual daily conversations.
- Often paired with the word 'onaka' (stomach).
Overview
- 1概要：「ぺこぺこ」は、おなかが空いて力が出ない状態や、胃が空っぽで鳴っているような感覚を擬音化した言葉です。主に「おなかがぺこぺこだ」という形で使われます。2) 使用パターン：名詞の「おなか」や「胃」と組み合わせて、「おなかがぺこぺこだ」「ぺこぺこでおなかが鳴る」といった形で使われます。また、単独で「もうぺこぺこだよ」と言うこともあります。3) 一般的な文脈：友人や家族とのカジュアルな会話で非常によく使われます。ビジネスや非常にフォーマルな場では、「空腹です」や「おなかが空きました」と言う方が適切です。4) 類似語との比較：「空腹（くうふく）」は硬い表現で、書き言葉やニュースなどで使われます。「おなかがすいた」は標準的な表現ですが、「ぺこぺこ」はより強調した、感情的なニュアンスを含みます。また、「ぺこぺこ」には「お辞儀をする様子」という意味もありますが、文脈で容易に区別できます。
Examples
おなかがぺこぺこです。
everydayI am very hungry.
昼ごはんを食べ損ねて、もうぺこぺこだ。
informalI missed lunch and I'm starving now.
ぺこぺこで力が出ない。
everydayI have no energy because I'm so hungry.
空腹でございます。
formalI am hungry.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
おなかがぺこぺこだ
I'm starving.
腹ペコ状態
In a starving state.
ぺこぺこで倒れそう
I'm so hungry I might faint.
Often Confused With
This refers to the physical act of bowing repeatedly to show submission or apology. It is a verb phrase, not a state of hunger.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use this word only in informal settings with people you know well. It is a vivid, emotive word that conveys the physical sensation of hunger. Avoid using it in professional or academic writing where more neutral terms like 'kufuku' are preferred.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes use it to describe anything that is empty, but it is specifically for the stomach. Do not use it to describe an empty box or room. Also, remember it is an adverb/onomatopoeia, not a standard adjective.
Tips
Use with Onaka for clarity
Always pair it with 'onaka' to avoid confusion with the 'bowing' meaning. Saying 'Onaka ga peko-peko' makes your meaning perfectly clear.
Avoid in formal settings
Since it is an onomatopoeia, it sounds very informal. Do not use it when talking to your boss or customers.
Onomatopoeia culture in Japan
Japanese is rich in mimetic words. Using them fluently makes your Japanese sound much more natural and expressive.
Word Origin
It is an onomatopoeia derived from the sound of a stomach rumbling. The repetition of the sound 'peko' mimics the rhythmic nature of the hunger pangs.
Cultural Context
In Japan, expressing physical sensations through onomatopoeia is very common. 'Peko-peko' is a culturally accepted way to express hunger in a slightly cute or exaggerated manner among peers.
Memory Tip
Imagine your stomach is a 'peko' (a small hollow sound) because it is empty. The repetition 'peko-peko' represents the repeated rumbling of your hungry belly.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsいいえ、ビジネスシーンでは適していません。フォーマルな場では「空腹です」や「おなかがすきました」と言うのが適切です。
相手に何度も頭を下げる様子も「ぺこぺこ」と言います。空腹の「ぺこぺこ」とは全く別の意味ですが、音は同じです。
食事の時間が待ち遠しい時や、長時間何も食べていない時に使います。親しい間柄で使うのが一般的です。
厳密には擬態語（副詞的用法）ですが、会話では「おなかがぺこぺこだ」のように形容詞的に使われることが多いです。
Test Yourself
朝から何も食べていないので、おなかが___です。
空腹の状態を表すのは「ぺこぺこ」です。
次のうち、正しい表現はどれですか？
「おなかがぺこぺこ」が正しいコロケーションです。
（すいた / ぺこぺこ / おなかが / です）
「おなかがぺこぺこ」という形が自然です。
Score: /3
Summary
Peko-peko is the go-to casual onomatopoeia for feeling extremely hungry.
- Used to describe being very hungry.
- Commonly used in casual daily conversations.
- Often paired with the word 'onaka' (stomach).
Use with Onaka for clarity
Always pair it with 'onaka' to avoid confusion with the 'bowing' meaning. Saying 'Onaka ga peko-peko' makes your meaning perfectly clear.
Avoid in formal settings
Since it is an onomatopoeia, it sounds very informal. Do not use it when talking to your boss or customers.
Onomatopoeia culture in Japan
Japanese is rich in mimetic words. Using them fluently makes your Japanese sound much more natural and expressive.
Examples
4 of 4おなかがぺこぺこです。
I am very hungry.
昼ごはんを食べ損ねて、もうぺこぺこだ。
I missed lunch and I'm starving now.
ぺこぺこで力が出ない。
I have no energy because I'm so hungry.
空腹でございます。
I am hungry.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
More emotions words
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.
