ぺこり

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.

• 空あき缶かんを踏ふんだら、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.

• 彼かれは私わたしに気きづくと、ぺこりとお辞じ儀ぎをした。

  When he noticed me, he gave a quick bow.