Onomatopoeia indicating something stretched tight or taut (e.g., 'to stretch taut').
弦がピンと張って音がよく響く。
The string is stretched taut and the sound resonates well.
テントのロープをピンと張っておいてください。
Please stretch the tent ropes taut.
彼はピンと背筋を伸ばした。
He straightened his back stiffly.
Mimetic word for something springing or straightening up suddenly (e.g., 'to spring up' or 'to perk up').
彼は驚いて耳をピンと立てた。
He was surprised and pricked his ears up.
猫が音を聞いてピンと飛び起きた。
The cat heard a sound and sprang up suddenly.
Used to describe an intuitive or instant realization ('to get it immediately' or 'to have a sudden insight').
説明を聞いて、やっとピンときた。
After hearing the explanation, it finally clicked for me.
彼のヒントで答えがピンときた。
His hint made the answer come to me immediately.
この匂いにピンときたら、その店の常連だ。
If that smell rings a bell for you, you're a regular of that shop.
An onomatopoeic word describing a sudden snap, twang, or crack — the sharp sound or sensation of something snapping.
ゴムが切れてピンと音がした。
The rubber snapped with a sharp 'ping' sound.
弦がピンと鳴って演奏が始まった。
The string twanged sharply and the performance began.