Definition
乒乓 is an onomatopoeic word that imitates the crisp, repetitive sound of objects hitting each other or bouncing — most famously associated with table tennis (pīng pāng qiú). You'll hear it in reduplicated form 乒乒乓乓 to mimic a rapid series of impacts, like dishes clattering or doors slamming. Unlike the English “rattle,” which suggests a loose shaking sound, 乒乓 conveys a more percussive, staccato knock.
onomatopoeia
sound of objects knocking or bouncinge.g. pinging and panging
Examples
- 乒乓，。Wàimiàn chuánlái pīng pāng yì shēng, xiàng shì shénme dōngxi diào dì shàng le.A banging noise came from outside, like something had fallen to the floor.
- ，。Chúfáng lǐ pīngpīngpāngpāng xiǎng gè bù tíng, tā zài zuò fàn.The kitchen was clattering nonstop — she was cooking.
- ，乒乓。Tā yònglì qiāo le liǎng xià mén, fāchū pīng pāng de xiǎngshēng.He banged on the door twice, making a loud knocking sound.
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