impossible; futile; no use
Interjection expressing that something is hopeless or pointless. Derived from Chinese 不彀本 (bùgòuběn), meaning 'not worth it' or 'can't break even'. Used in casual, often old-fashioned or slangy contexts.
from Chinese bùgòuběn
It's no use anymore. Let's give up.
children's game (type of)
A specific children's game, though details are obscure. The term itself may be used as the name of the game.
Derogatory and obsolete term for a Chinese person. Highly offensive; included only for recognition in historical contexts.
It seems that children used to play a game called pokopen in the old days.
The derogatory term 'pokopen' sometimes appears in pre-war documents.
Katakana spelling is standard; the word is usually written in kana.
Ateji kanji form, rarely used.
Ateji kanji form, rarely used.
Mixed kanji-kana ateji form, rarely used.
From Chinese 不彀本 (bùgòuběn), meaning 'not worth it' or 'can't break even'. The Japanese reading ポコペン is an approximation of the Chinese sounds. The derogatory sense likely developed from the interjection, used dismissively toward Chinese people.