ペンペン

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.

• いたずらをした子こ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

with a plunk (shamisen sound)

Mimetic word for the plucking sound of a shamisen. Used adverbially with と.

• 三味線しゃみせんをペンペンと鳴ならす。

  He plucks the shamisen with a plunk-plunk sound.

noun

shamisen (child's word)

Childish or informal noun for a shamisen, derived from its sound. Used mainly by or with children.

• 子こどもが「ペンペンをひいて」と言いった。

  The child said, 'Play the shamisen.'