also: ぺこん · ぺこりん
adverb, adverb taking the 'to' particle
with a dent; with a pop; caving in and springing back
Mimetic word for the sound or action of a thin metal or plastic surface denting inward and then popping back out. Often used with と.
空き缶を踏んだら、ぺこんとへこんだ。
When I stepped on the empty can, it dented with a pop.
adverb, adverb taking the 'to' particle
with a quick bow; bobbing one's head
Describes the action of quickly lowering one's head in a slight bow, often in greeting or apology. Commonly used with と or as ぺこりとお辞儀をする.
彼は私に気づくと、ぺこりとお辞儀をした。
When he noticed me, he gave a quick bow.
Playful or childish variant; less common.
ぺこぺこ is the reduplicated form, often used for repeated denting or bowing, or for being very hungry. ぺこり/ぺこん describe a single action.
Onomatopoeic or mimetic word; the exact origin is uncertain, but it imitates a light, hollow sound or a quick bending motion.