adverb, adverb taking the 'to' particle, noun or participle which takes 'suru'
with a smack; with a spank
Onomatopoeia for a light slapping or spanking sound, often used in children's contexts or playful situations. Can be used adverbially with と or as a する verb.
いたずらをした子のおしりをペンペンとたたいた。
I gave the mischievous child a light spank on the bottom.
ほこりをペンペンとはたく。
I dust it off with a few pats.
adverb, adverb taking the 'to' particle
Mimetic word for the plucking sound of a shamisen. Used adverbially with と.
三味線をペンペンと鳴らす。
He plucks the shamisen with a plunk-plunk sound.
noun
Childish or informal noun for a shamisen, derived from its sound. Used mainly by or with children.
子どもが「ペンペンをひいて」と言った。
The child said, 'Play the shamisen.'