Have you ever seen someone worry over every tiny expense?
Or work hard to save even the smallest amount of money?
That fussy, penny-pinching attitude in Japanese is expressed as:
“Seko Seko” (せこせこ)
Let’s hear how it sounds!
What is “Seko Seko” (せこせこ)?
“Seko Seko” describes:
- Being petty or stingy
- Worrying over small gains or losses
- Working away at little things in a fussy manner
It often carries a slightly humorous or critical feeling.
Pronunciation
seh-koh seh-koh
(Say it with quick little movements.)
Categories
Emotion
What Does “Seko Seko” Look Like?
It looks like someone counting every coin.
Checking every discount.
Trying not to waste even the smallest thing.
How Do You Say It?
Say it with a busy little rhythm:
Seko seko…
Like someone fussing over tiny details.
Example in Daily Life
Example: Looking for the cheapest deal
He checked three different stores to save a few yen —
seko seko…
He didn’t want to spend any more than necessary.
Cultural Note
In English, you might say:
- “Penny-pinching”
- “Stingy”
- “Fussy about money”
But “seko seko” can also describe someone who worries too much about little advantages or losses.
It suggests:
Small calculations
Petty concerns
Fussy effort
Try Using It!
When someone fusses over tiny savings…
When they worry about every little expense…
When they’re being just a bit petty…
Say it naturally:
Seko seko〜
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