Entry
ばさっと
basatto
This term describes the sudden falling of bulky, non-metallic items like heavy cloth or stacks of paper, or the swift, clean cutting of something substantial in a single motion.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
It is often used to express the heavy, rustling thud produced when a thick stack of documents or a heavy coat is dropped. Furthermore, it perfectly captures the decisive action of chopping off a thick bundle of hair or tree branches in one swift motion, or a large bird suddenly spreading its wings with a single, strong flap.
- Heavy objects like coats or papers falling with a rustle
- Chopping something thick cleanly in one go
- A sudden, strong flap of wings
Sense Map
Heavy Rustling Thud
Used when a thick, non-metallic object, such as a large stack of papers, heavy cloth, or blanket, falls and lands with a heavy rustling or dull thudding sound.
書類がばさっと落ちる
Swift, Clean Cut
Describes the action of cutting off a large amount of something, such as a thick bundle of hair or tree branches, swiftly and cleanly in a single, decisive motion.
髪をばさっと切る
Sudden Flapping
The sudden, strong flapping sound of a bird's wings, or spreading a large piece of cloth wide open suddenly.
羽をばさっと広げる
Usage Note
How to Use
ばさっと + verb
Typically functions as an adverb directly modifying action verbs like 落ちる (to fall), 切る (to cut), 投げる (to throw), or 広げる (to spread).
How to Use
Common Phrases
ばさっと落ちる
to fall with a heavy rustle or dull thud
ばさっと切る
to chop off swiftly in one motion
ばさっと投げる
to throw down (cloth or paper) heavily
羽をばさっと広げる
to suddenly spread wings wide
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting hair | neutral | Often implies a drastic, bold change in hairstyle, showing a decisive or resolved attitude by chopping off a lot of length at once. |
| Dropping items | neutral | Indicates that the items (like papers or a coat) were dropped or thrown somewhat carelessly or heavily, rather than being set down gently. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
どさっと どさっと / similar | Used for heavy, dense objects or a massive amount of things dropping heavily onto the ground. | While both describe falling, 'basatto' includes a frictional, rustling sound typical of paper or cloth, whereas this word describes a deeper, heavier thud with less surface friction. | 荷物をどさっと置く |
ばったり ばったり / contrast | Used when a person suddenly collapses flat on the ground, or for an unexpected encounter. | 'Basatto' is generally not used for people collapsing or for sudden encounters. Their contexts are entirely different. | ばったり倒れる |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for metal tools or glassware dropping.
This term suggests a dry, frictional thud. If a metallic or glass object drops, words like 'gashan' or 'garan' are more appropriate.
Using it for continuous rustling.
The '-tto' suffix means it describes a single, sudden action. For continuous rustling or dry textures, use 'basabasa' instead.
Examples
Examples
机の上の大量の書類が、ばさっと落ちた。
つくえのうえのたいりょうのしょるいが、ばさっとおちた。
The large stack of documents on the desk fell with a heavy rustle.
VisualShows that the documents were bulky enough to scatter somewhat heavily when falling.
気分を変えるために、長い髪をばさっと切った。
きぶんをかえるために、ながいがみをばさっときった。
To change my mood, I chopped off my long hair decisively.
LiteralA very common usage for the bold action of cutting off a large amount of hair.
彼は疲れた様子で、重いコートをソファにばさっと投げた。
かれはつかれたようすで、おもいコートをソファにばさっとなげた。
Looking tired, he threw his heavy coat onto the sofa with a thud.
VisualDescribes the heavy fabric (coat) landing unceremoniously with a bit of a thud.
大きな鳥が羽をばさっと広げて飛び立った。
おおきなとりがはねをばさっとひろげるとびたった。
The large bird suddenly spread its wings wide and took off.
VisualCaptures the single, powerful action of the wings being fully extended at once.
邪魔になっていた庭の木の枝を、ばさっと切り落とした。
じゃまになっていたにわのきのえだを、ばさっときりおとした。
I swiftly chopped off the branches of the garden tree that were in the way.
LiteralFunctions similarly to cutting hair: one decisive action to sever a thick part.
Similar Words
どさっと
dosatto
どさっと is the heavy, dull thud of a bulky object, a large quantity of something, or a person falling or being dropped all at once. Emphasizes the heavy impact of a denser weight hitting the ground (like thick books or a sack).
ばたっと
batatto
The heavy sound of something flat falling with a thud, or an action coming to a sudden, complete stop.
ばったり
battari
Describes unexpectedly bumping into someone, falling down heavily, or an ongoing action coming to an abrupt halt. Used for a person collapsing flat onto the ground, or unexpectedly running into someone.
Questions
Can I use this word if someone falls down?
Usually no. For a person falling flat on the floor, 'battari' or 'batan' is the natural choice. This word is for bulky objects like heavy coats or stacks of paper.
What is the difference between this and 'basabasa'?
This word describes a single, quick action (like one chop of hair or one flap of a wing). 'Basabasa' describes a continuous or repeated state (like hair constantly rustling, or a bird flapping wings repeatedly).
Is it appropriate for small or thin objects?
Not really. It carries a nuance of 'bulk' or 'heavy volume'. For something small and thin, it would sound unnatural.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2842427
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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