Japanese meaning of ピカピカ

Reading:
ぴかぴか (pikapika)

English Translation:

shiny, sparkling clean

Meaning & Cultural Context

Meaning:


Describes something shiny or sparkling clean.

Cultural Context:


Often used for polished things, like shoes or new cars.

Grammar & Learning Points

Grammar Point

Usually as “ピカピカになる” (“to become shiny”).

Trap for English Speakers

Not “pick a picka”; unique to Japanese.

Example

Basic Example

新しいコインはピカピカ光っている。

The new coin is sparkling.


Applied Example

「ピカチュウ」の名前の由来にもなっている「ピカピカ!」

“Pika Pika!”—the origin of Pikachu’s name.