ひょこひょこ
ひょこひょこ
adverb
bobbing; nodding; with an uneven gait
1.
with a bobbing or nodding motion
Describes movement with repeated up-and-down motions, like a bird's head or walking with a limp.
鳩がひょこひょこと歩いている。
The pigeon is walking with a bobbing motion.
彼は足を痛めてひょこひょこ歩いていた。
He was limping along because he hurt his foot.
人形がひょこひょこと動いておもしろい。
The puppet moves with a bobbing motion, which is fun to watch.
TYPE: Mimetic word (gitaigo) describing manner of movement.
NUANCE: Describes uneven, bouncy movement with:
- Up-and-down bobbing motion
- Slightly comical or cute appearance
- Often asymmetric or unsteady gait
TYPICAL SUBJECTS:
- Birds walking (pigeons, chickens)
- People walking with a limp
- Puppets or toys
- Small children just learning to walk
COMMON PATTERNS:
- ひょこひょこと歩く (to walk with a bobbing gait)
- ひょこひょこ動く (to move with bobbing motion)
- ひょこひょこ現れる (to pop up unexpectedly)
SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS:
- ちょこちょこ: quick small steps
- ぴょんぴょん: hopping, jumping
- よたよた: tottering, unsteady walk
- びっこを引く: to limp (more neutral/clinical)
Related Words
Related:
ちょこちょこ (small quick steps)