Japanese meaning of ペコペコ

Reading: AI

ぺこぺこ (pekopeko)

English Translation:

hungry, bowing repeatedly

Meaning & Cultural Context

Meaning:

Describes being very hungry (stomach rumbling), or bowing repeatedly.

Cultural Context:

Often used by kids or in manga when someone is starving; also for polite/apologetic bowing.

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）。
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.