Onomatopoeia
Japanese meaning of ペコペコ
Reading:
Voice sample:
ぺこぺこ (pekopeko)
English Translation:
hungry, bowing repeatedly
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
Describes being very hungry (stomach rumbling), or bowing repeatedly.
日本語で読む
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.
日本語で読む
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.
日本語で読む
「おなかがぺこぺこ」「ぺこぺこ頭を下げる」など。
Trap for English Speakers
Not "peck" or "pecker."
日本語で読む
英語の“peck”や“woodpecker”とは違う。
Example
Example 1Basic Example
お腹がぺこぺこだ。
I'm starving.
Example 2Applied Example
何度もぺこぺこ頭を下げた。
She bowed her head again and again.
Quick check
Meaning
What does 「ペコペコ」 mean?