ピーピー

Alternative writings: ぴーぴー, ぴいぴい, ピイピイ
Frequency:
1

An onomatopoeic sound representing high, short chirps or beeps (e.g. birds, small animals, alarms).

NounAdverbOnomatopoeic or Mimetic Word

Examples

朝、窓の外で小鳥がピーピー鳴いている。

In the morning, a small bird is chirping (peep-peep) outside the window.

コピー機が紙詰まりでピーピーと警告音を出した。

The copier gave a beeping sound (pii-pii) because of a paper jam.

赤ちゃんが寝ながらピーピーと小さな声を立てた。

The baby made little peeping sounds while sleeping.

2

Colloquial slang meaning to be short of money or hard up.

NounIrregular Verb

Examples

給料日前で財布がピーピーだ。

It's payday-closure and my wallet is empty (I'm broke).

旅行に行きたいけど今はピーピーだから我慢する。

I want to travel, but I'm broke right now so I'll hold off.

3

Colloquial term for diarrhea (the runs).

Noun

Examples

昨夜の刺身のせいでお腹がピーピーだ。

My stomach is upset (I have the runs) because of last night's sashimi.

お祭りの屋台の食べ物で子どもがピーピーになってしまった。

The child got diarrhea from the festival stall food.

4

A whistle- or pipe-like sound; can also colloquially refer to a simple flute/whistle instrument.

Noun

Examples

子どもたちがピーピー笛を吹いて遊んでいる。

The kids are playing by blowing little whistles (peep-peep).

お祭りの夜、どこからかピーピーという笛の音が聞こえた。

On the festival night, I heard the sound of a flute/whistle (pii-pii) from somewhere.

5

Colloquial, slightly teasing term for a beginner or novice.

Noun

Examples

彼はまだピーピーの新人だから、優しく教えよう。

He's still a green rookie, so let's teach him kindly.

初めての試合でピーピーだったが、次はもっと良くなるだろう。

He was a bit of a novice in his first match, but he'll probably do better next time.