Entry
バッサバッサ
bassabassa
Describes the heavy, forceful flapping of large wings or the vigorous, continuous action of cutting things down.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word emphasizes powerful, repeated actions. It is most commonly used for the heavy, low-pitched flapping of a large bird's wings, or for the action of ruthlessly slashing, mowing down, or discarding things (like overgrown grass, enemies, or old rules) one after another.
- Heavy flapping of large wings
- Continuous, vigorous cutting or slashing
Sense Map
Heavy Flapping
Used for the forceful, low-pitched sound and air displacement of large wings flapping repeatedly.
大きな鳥がバッサバッサと羽ばたいている。
Vigorous Cutting
Describes the action of striking down, mowing, or cutting away multiple things in quick succession without hesitation.
敵をバッサバッサと倒す。
Usage Note
How to Use
バッサバッサと + verb
The most common way to link the adverb to the action, showing how the cutting or flapping is performed.
バッサバッサ + verb
A slightly more casual variation without the particle と, serving the same grammatical function.
How to Use
Common Phrases
バッサバッサと切り捨てる
to ruthlessly cast aside or cut away
バッサバッサと羽ばたく
to flap wings heavily
バッサバッサと刈り取る
to mow down vigorously
バッサバッサと倒す
to strike down (enemies) in succession
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Wings flapping | Neutral to Imposing | Highlights the massive scale of the wings, suitable for large eagles, condors, or mythical dragons. |
| Cutting / Slashing | Dynamic and Ruthless | Implies clearing away obstacles aggressively, whether literal (weeds, foes) or abstract (bureaucracy, budgets). |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ばさばさ ばさばさ / similar | Used for a lighter rustling sound, normal flapping, or the texture of dry, unkempt hair. | Lacks the forceful weight and sheer momentum of バッサバッサ. | 鳥がばさばさと羽ばたく。 |
ばっさり ばっさり / similar | Used for a single, decisive cut, like chopping off long hair in one go. | Focuses on one definitive stroke, whereas バッサバッサ involves repeated, continuous cutting. | 髪をばっさり切る。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for a small bird or insect flying.
This word is too heavy for small creatures. Use パタパタ for small birds, and ひらひら for butterflies.
Using it to describe dry, damaged hair.
While 'basabasa' means dry, unkempt hair, 'bassabassa' is an action word for heavy flapping or forceful cutting and cannot be used for hair texture.
Examples
Examples
大きなワシがバッサバッサと羽ばたいて飛び立った。
おおきなワシがバッサバッサとはばたいてとびたった。
A large eagle flapped its wings heavily and flew away.
VisualShows the heavy, forceful flapping of a large bird.
庭の伸びた草をバッサバッサと刈り取った。
にわののびたくさをバッサバッサとかりとった。
I vigorously mowed down the overgrown grass in the yard.
VisualShows the action of broadly and continuously mowing or cutting down.
古いルールをバッサバッサと切り捨てる。
ふるいルールをバッサバッサときりすてる。
Ruthlessly discarding old rules one after another.
FigurativeUsed figuratively for aggressively clearing away abstract things.
その怪鳥は、バッサバッサと巨大な翼を揺らした。
そのかいちょうは、バッサバッサときょだいなつばさをゆらした。
The monster bird flapped its giant wings heavily.
VisualEmphasizes the scale and weight of a fantasy or massive creature's wings.
迫り来る敵をバッサバッサとなぎ倒していく。
せまりくるてきをバッサバッサとなぎたおしていく。
Mowing down the approaching enemies one after another.
VisualDescribes powerful, continuous battle action.
Similar Words
ばさばさ
basabasa
An onomatopoeia describing the sound of large objects flapping or a dry, coarse, and untidy state, especially of hair. Lighter variant, also used for dry hair texture.
ばっさり
bassari
Bassari describes the action of cutting something completely, cleanly, and without hesitation in a single swift motion. A single definitive cut, not a continuous action.
バタバタ
batabata
Batabata describes a state of being frantically busy and flustered, or the physical sound of heavy flapping, clattering footsteps, or things falling in quick succession. Frantic flapping (like flags) or rushing around busily.
Questions
Can I use this word for chopping vegetables quickly?
No, it implies a wide, sweeping slash, like using a scythe or sword. For chopping vegetables on a board, words like トントントン or ザクザク are better.
What is the difference between バッサバッサ and ばさばさ?
The double consonant (っ) in バッサバッサ makes it much stronger and heavier. It implies sheer force, whereas ばさばさ is a lighter rustling sound or a description of dry texture.
Can it be used metaphorically?
Yes, it is often used for aggressively cutting budgets, canceling projects, or dismissing ideas one after another without hesitation.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2535340
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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