ぴんぴん

Alternative writings: ピンピン
Frequency:

1Lively, energetic, full of vigor (often used to say an elderly person is healthy and active).

AdverbAdverb Taking 'と'Group 3 VerbOnomatopoeic or Mimetic Word

Examples

祖母は九十歳だが、ぴんぴんしている。

My grandmother is 90 but still very spry.

休みの日は子どもたちが朝からぴんぴん遊んでいる。

On holidays the children play actively from the morning.

風邪が治って、またぴんぴん動けるようになった。

After recovering from the cold, I can move energetically again.

2Vigorously moving or flopping about (e.g., a fish jumping energetically).

AdverbAdverb Taking 'と'Group 3 VerbOnomatopoeic or Mimetic Word

Examples

釣った魚がまだ生きていて、ぴんぴん跳ねている。

The fish I caught is still alive and is flopping around vigorously.

揚げたての天ぷらが油の中でぴんぴんはねている。

Freshly fried tempura is popping and bouncing in the oil.

3A piercing or penetrating high sound (onomatopoeia for sharp, high-pitched noises).

AdverbAdverb Taking 'と'Onomatopoeic or Mimetic Word

Examples

古いベルがぴんぴんと高く鳴った。

The old bell rang out a sharp, clear sound.

その笛の音はぴんぴんと耳につくほど高かった。

The whistle was so high-pitched it was piercing to the ears.

Word Relationships

Synonyms