1.
stuffed full; bulging; packed to capacity
Mimetic word describing something stretched or filled to its limit — a bag packed until it bulges, a stomach so full it is taut, or a schedule with no free slots. Suggests the thing is about to burst or has no more room.
Casual mimetic word suggesting maximum capacity or fullness. Used with に + なる (to become stuffed) or as a prenominal modifier.
Common patterns
- ぱんぱんになる — to become completely stuffed/full
- ぱんぱんに膨らむ — to swell up / bulge
- お腹がぱんぱん — stomach is stuffed (after eating)
- ぱんぱんのバッグ — a jam-packed bag
Note: ぱんぱん is also used for a light clapping or patting sound (ぱんぱんと手を叩く — to clap), though the 'stuffed full' meaning is more common in everyday speech.