Entry
バシバシ
bashibashi
Describes the sound of repeated hitting, or doing something vigorously and without holding back.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
Originally mimicking the sound of strong, repeated striking or slapping, this word is frequently used metaphorically in daily conversation. It describes performing actions vigorously, decisively, and without hesitation, such as speaking one's mind, taking photos in rapid succession, or clearing out tasks.
- Physically hitting or slapping repeatedly
- Performing actions with great energy and momentum
- Speaking or criticizing frankly without restraint
- Taking photos rapidly one after another
Sense Map
Physical Action (Hitting)
Used for the sound or action of repeatedly hitting or slapping something firmly.
背中をバシバシ叩く
Vigorous Action
Doing a task or activity with a fast rhythm, high energy, and no hesitation.
仕事をバシバシこなす
Communication
Expressing opinions or criticizing frankly without holding anything back.
意見をバシバシ言う
Photography
Taking a large number of photos in rapid succession.
写真をバシバシ撮る
Usage Note
How to Use
バシバシ + verb
The most common way to describe how an action is performed vigorously.
バシバシと + verb
Adds the particle 'to' for slight emphasis, making the adverb stand out more in the sentence, with no change in meaning.
How to Use
Common Phrases
バシバシ叩く
to hit repeatedly
バシバシ言う
to speak without holding back
バシバシ撮る
to snap photos rapidly
バシバシこなす
to handle tasks smoothly and vigorously
バシバシ指摘する
to point out flaws relentlessly
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Slapping someone's back | neutral | Indicates a firm, repeated slap, which could be out of camaraderie or to give encouragement. |
| Giving opinions | positive | Shows courage, honesty, and fluidity in speaking one's mind without fear of judgment. |
| Working | positive | Describes high efficiency and momentum when clearing a backlog of tasks. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
びしばし びしばし / similar | Use when the action involves strict discipline, harsh training, or a sharper smack (like a whip). | ビシバシ focuses more on strictness or rigidity in training or punishing, whereas バシバシ leans toward energetic and fast-paced actions. | 生徒をビシバシ鍛える |
どしどし どしどし / similar | Use when inviting someone to do something without reservation, or when a large volume of things (like applications) come in. | どしどし is more about continuous large quantity or volume without hesitation, while バシバシ is about the rhythmic, forceful style of the action. | どしどしご応募ください |
しっかり しっかり / similar | Use for actions done solidly, reliably, and securely. | しっかり implies a strong, stable state (like holding tightly), not a repeated, vigorous action or striking. | しっかり握る |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using this word to describe holding or tying something tightly.
For holding tightly, use しっかり. This word is only for repeated, energetic actions or strikes.
Using it in formal business contexts.
This word is colloquial. In formal situations, use standard phrasing like 積極的に (actively) or 遠慮なく (without hesitation).
Examples
Examples
彼は励ますつもりで、私の背中をバシバシ叩いた。
かれ は はげます つもり で、 わたし の せなか を バシバシ たたいた。
He repeatedly slapped my back, intending to encourage me.
LiteralShows the physical action of repeatedly slapping with the flat of the hand.
彼女は会議で自分の意見をバシバシ言った。
かのじょ は かいぎ で じぶん の いけん を バシバシ いった。
She spoke her mind without holding back at the meeting.
FigurativeUsed figuratively to show an honest and frank way of speaking.
溜まっていた仕事をバシバシこなす。
たまっていた しごと を バシバシ こなす。
I vigorously clear out my piled-up work.
FigurativeFocuses on the speed and efficiency of actions without hesitation.
旅行先で風景の写真をバシバシ撮った。
りょこうさき で ふうけい の しゃしん を バシバシ とった。
I rapidly snapped pictures of the scenery on my trip.
VisualOften used to describe the sound and action of rapid camera shutter clicks.
後輩のミスをバシバシと指摘した。
こうはい の ミス を バシバシ と してきした。
I relentlessly pointed out my junior's mistakes without hesitation.
FigurativeIndicates reprimands or criticisms given without holding anything back.
Similar Words
ビシバシ
bishibashi
An adverb describing an action performed forcefully, relentlessly, or energetically without holding anything back. Very similar, but ビシバシ carries a nuance of stricter discipline or rigorous training.
どしどし
doshidoshi
どしどし (doshidoshi) describes doing something actively without hesitation, things happening in rapid succession, or walking with heavy, stomping footsteps. Both are done without hesitation, but どしどし focuses more on the volume of things coming continuously.
Questions
What is the difference between バシバシ and ビシバシ?
They are very similar, but ビシバシ often carries a nuance of strictness, punishment, or rigorous discipline (like the crack of a whip). バシバシ focuses more on overflowing energy and holding nothing back.
Can this word be used for taking photos?
Yes, it is extremely common to use it with the verb 撮る to describe the sound and action of the camera shutter clicking rapidly.
Is it polite to use this at work?
It is a colloquial conversational word. It is better avoided when speaking to superiors or clients, but it is natural among close colleagues.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2671640
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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