Japanese meaning of ペコペコ
Reading:
ぺこぺこ (pekopeko)
English Translation:
hungry, bowing repeatedly
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
Describes being very hungry (stomach rumbling), or bowing repeatedly.
お腹がすいてぺこぺこ、または何度も頭を下げる（ぺこぺこお辞儀）。
Cultural Context:
Often used by kids or in manga when someone is starving; also for polite/apologetic bowing.
子供やキャラが「おなかぺこぺこ！」と叫ぶ、お詫びや感謝でペコペコお辞儀をする。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
Used as "おなかがぺこぺこ" (“I'm hungry”); also "ぺこぺこする" for bowing.
Trap for English Speakers
Not "peck" or "pecker."
Example
Basic Example
お腹がぺこぺこだ。
I'm starving.
Applied Example
何度もぺこぺこ頭を下げた。
She bowed her head again and again.