ぴちぴち

Alternative writings: ピチピチ
Frequency:
1

Full of youthful energy; lively and vivacious (often used about young people).

Adverb Taking 'と'Irregular VerbOnomatopoeic or Mimetic Word

Examples

新人の彼女はぴちぴちしていて職場に活気が出た。

The new female recruit is lively and brought energy to the workplace.

若々しくてぴちぴちの笑顔だった。

She had a fresh, lively smile.

ぴちぴちの肌が印象的だ。

Her youthful, fresh skin was striking.

2

(Of fish) jumping or wriggling energetically (e.g., when caught).

Adverb Taking 'と'Onomatopoeic or Mimetic Word

Examples

捕まえたばかりの魚がバケツの中でぴちぴち跳ねている。

The freshly caught fish are wriggling energetically in the bucket.

市場の魚はまだぴちぴちしている。

The fish at the market are still lively.

3

Tight or bursting (e.g., seams); something that is too snug or taut.

Noun Taking 'の'Onomatopoeic or Mimetic Word

Examples

このジーンズはぴちぴちで動きにくい。

These jeans are too tight and hard to move in.

シャツのボタンがぴちぴちしている。

The shirt's buttons look like they'll pop due to tightness.

靴がぴちぴちで足が痛くなった。

My shoes were too tight and my feet started to hurt.

4

Splattering (e.g., oil splattering while cooking); small popping or sputtering sounds from hot liquid.

Adverb Taking 'と'Onomatopoeic or Mimetic Word

Examples

フライパンの油がぴちぴちはねているから気をつけて。

Be careful — the frying pan oil is splattering.

油が熱くてぴちぴちと飛ぶ音がする。

You can hear the oil popping and splattering because it's hot.