Entry
ばたっと
batatto
The heavy sound of something flat falling with a thud, or an action coming to a sudden, complete stop.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word illustrates the loud, heavy sound made when an object, like a door or a person's body, falls or closes forcefully. Figuratively, it also describes a situation where an ongoing action, process, or sound ceases abruptly and entirely.
- Heavy thudding sound
- Abrupt cessation
Sense Map
Falling with a Thud
Describes the sound or motion when a flat object closes tightly, or someone falls flat to the ground from exhaustion.
ドアがばたっと閉まる
Stopping Suddenly
Describes a state where something that was continuously happening suddenly and completely stops without a trace.
連絡がばたっと途絶える
Usage Note
How to Use
ばたっと + verb
Functions as an adverb describing the sudden or forceful manner of an action.
ばたっと + 倒れる/閉まる/止まる
The most common pattern, usually followed by verbs meaning to fall, close, or stop.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ばたっと倒れる
to fall flat with a thud
ばたっと閉まる
to close with a slam
ばたっと止まる
to stop suddenly
ばたっと途絶える
to cease abruptly
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Door closing | neutral/negative | Indicates a door closing very forcefully, perhaps due to wind or being slammed. |
| Engine stopping | negative | Indicates an engine breaking down or stalling suddenly without warning. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぱたっと ぱたっと / similar | Used for lighter impact sounds or smaller objects. | Sounds less forceful and heavy compared to ばたっと. | パタッと閉じる |
どさっと どさっと / similar | Used for heavy, bulky items or a pile of things falling (like books or a sack). | Does not focus on flat objects or sudden closing. | どさっと置く |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using ばたっと to describe a car slowing down gradually.
ばたっと applies only to very drastic and instantaneous stops.
Using ばたっと for glass breaking.
Use other words like ガチャン for glass; ばたっと is for dull, thudding sounds.
Examples
Examples
彼はいすからばたっと倒れた。
かれ は いす から ばたっと たおれた。
He fell flat from the chair with a thud.
VisualDescribes someone falling heavily and suddenly.
強風でドアがばたっと閉まった。
きょうふう で ドア が ばたっと しまった。
The door slammed shut with a thud due to the strong wind.
VisualShows the loud sound of a flat object (door) closing.
エンジンの音がばたっと止まった。
エンジン の おと が ばたっと とまった。
The engine noise stopped suddenly.
LiteralFocuses on the complete stopping of something ongoing.
あの事件以来、彼からの連絡がばたっと途絶えた。
あの じけん いらい、かれ から の れんらく が ばたっと とだえた。
Since that incident, communication from him abruptly ceased.
FigurativeFigurative use for communication or interaction that completely stops.
疲れてベッドにばたっと倒れ込んだ。
つかれて ベッド に ばたっと たおれこんだ。
I collapsed flat onto the bed from exhaustion.
VisualDescribes dropping one's body due to a lack of energy.
Similar Words
パタッと
patatto
Describes a light thud or the sudden and complete cessation of an action. Similar but for lighter sounds.
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. For bulky items or multiple things dropping.
ばったり
battari
Describes unexpectedly bumping into someone, falling down heavily, or an ongoing action coming to an abrupt halt.
Questions
Can I use ばたっと when a pencil drops?
No. A pencil is too small and light. Use コロン or パタン for small items. ばたっと is for heavier objects that produce a loud thud.
What is the difference from パタッと (patatto)?
They are similar, but ばたっと (batatto) refers to heavier objects or louder sounds. パタッと (patatto) sounds lighter.
Can it be used for abstract things?
Yes, it is often used figuratively for something that comes to a complete halt suddenly, like communication, sales, or popularity.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2838241
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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