ぱくぱく

adverb, adverb taking the 'to' particle, noun or participle which takes 'suru'

opening and closing mouth repeatedly; gasping

Describes the motion of the mouth opening and closing, like a fish out of water or someone struggling to speak. Also used for gasping for air.

• 金きん魚ぎょが水すい面めんで口くちをぱくぱくさせている。

  The goldfish is opening and closing its mouth at the water's surface.

• 彼かれは驚おどろいてぱくぱくしていた。

  He was gasping in surprise.

adverb, noun or participle which takes 'suru'

flapping; gaping open and shut

Used for things like a loose shoe sole flapping, or a door or lid repeatedly opening and closing loosely.

• 靴くつの底そこがぱくぱくして歩あるきにくい。

  The sole of my shoe is flapping and it's hard to walk.

adverb, adverb taking the 'to' particle, noun or participle which takes 'suru'

eating heartily; gobbling; munching

Describes eating quickly and with gusto, often with the mouth opening wide. Common in casual descriptions of eating.

• 子こ供どもたちはお菓か子しをぱくぱく食たべた。

  The kids gobbled up the snacks.

• 彼かれは大おおきなハンバーガーをぱくぱくと平たいらげた。

  He devoured the big burger in no time.