Entry
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.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word functions on two main levels. Physically, it represents continuous, somewhat heavy sounds, like a large bird flapping its wings, someone running noisily, or objects toppling one after another. Figuratively—and very commonly—it describes a person who is swamped with tasks, rushing around in a hectic or flustered manner without a moment to rest.
- Frantically busy or swamped with tasks (most common figurative use).
- Noisy, clattering movements or flapping sounds.
- Toppling or falling rapidly one after another.
Sense Map
Busy & Hectic
Describes being swamped, flustered, or running around trying to handle multiple tasks.
準備でバタバタする
Clattering & Flapping
Describes continuous, noisy physical sounds like footsteps on a floor or wings flapping heavily.
足音をバタバタさせる
Falling in Succession
Describes things or people falling, dropping, or dying off one right after the other.
敵がバタバタと倒れる
Usage Note
How to Use
バタバタする
Used as a verb to indicate that one is in a rush, or that something makes a clattering noise.
バタバタしている
The continuous form, very common for saying 'I am currently swamped/hectic'.
バタバタと + verb
Used as an adverb to describe how an action is done (e.g., falling in succession, running noisily).
How to Use
Common Phrases
バタバタする
to be hectic / in a rush
バタバタと倒れる
to fall down one after another
バタバタ走り回る
to run around noisily
鳥がバタバタ羽ばたく
a bird flaps its wings noisily
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Schedules and Work | Neutral to Slightly Negative | Acts as a humble, relatable way to say 'I've been too busy to get to this earlier'. |
| Physical Movement | Negative | Running batabata means you lack grace; your steps are heavy, rushed, and distracting. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぱたぱた ぱたぱた / contrast | Use for lighter, quieter, and more pleasant flapping or pitter-patter sounds. | Batabata is heavier, louder, and implies more chaos than the light sound of patapata. | スリッパでパタパタ歩く |
どたばた どたばた / similar | Use for extreme physical commotion, fighting, or disruptive noise. | Batabata represents being busy or noisy, but dotabata implies a higher level of disruptive, clumsy chaos. | ドタバタと騒ぐ |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it simply to mean 'doing something fast' in a neat, organized way.
Batabata always carries a nuance of being disorganized, flustered, or noisy. It's not a compliment for efficiency.
Using it in highly formal business emails to important clients.
While common with colleagues, it is too casual for formal apologies. Use 'tatekonde orimasu' instead when speaking to superiors or strict clients.
Examples
Examples
引っ越しの準備で、今日は朝からバタバタしている。
ひっこしの じゅんびで、 きょうは あさから バタバタ している。
I've been running around frantically since this morning getting ready to move.
FigurativeDescribes a state of being frantically busy with no time to rest.
子供が廊下をバタバタと走っている。
こどもが ろうかを バタバタと はしっている。
The child is running noisily down the hallway.
LiteralFocuses on the continuous, heavy, and noisy sound of footsteps.
カラスがバタバタと羽ばたいて飛んでいった。
カラスが バタバタと はばたいて とんでいった。
The crow flapped its wings noisily and flew away.
LiteralDescribes the heavy, loud flapping sound of a bird's wings.
猛暑で、畑の野菜がバタバタと枯れてしまった。
もうしょで、 はたけの やさいが バタバタと かれて しまった。
Due to the heatwave, the vegetables in the field died off one after another.
VisualDescribes things failing or dropping rapidly in quick succession.
締め切り前でバタバタしており、お返事が遅れました。
しめきりまえで バタバタ しており、 おへんじが おくれました。
Things have been hectic right before the deadline, so my reply was delayed.
FigurativeOften used as a polite, relatable excuse for a delay in correspondence.
Similar Words
パタパタ
patapata
It describes light, repetitive sounds like flapping, pitter-patter footsteps, or tasks being completed in quick succession. A lighter, cleaner sound with less sense of urgency or chaos compared to batabata.
ドタバタ
dotabata
Describes the loud noise of heavy footsteps running around, or a state of frantic, chaotic panic. Much harsher and noisier, often connoting physical commotion, running heavily, or fighting.
ジタバタ
jitabata
Describes the act of physically flailing one's limbs or panicking desperately when backed into a corner.
Questions
Can I use batabata to mean I am busy?
Yes, it is one of the most natural conversational ways to say you are swamped or running around trying to get things done.
How is it different from isogashii (忙しい)?
Isogashii just means 'busy' as a state. Batabata paints a visual picture of you physically or mentally rushing around in a flustered state.
Does it only apply to people?
No. Physically, it describes the sound of birds flapping wings, things falling rapidly, or noisy footsteps.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1098660
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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