Entry
ばっと
batto
ばっと (batto) describes a physical movement or the spreading of something that happens suddenly, quickly, and unexpectedly.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word captures the feeling of a swift, almost reflexive action, such as suddenly standing up or quickly looking backward. Beyond physical actions, it also vividly describes something spreading or expanding in an instant across a wide area, like a rumor or a fire.
- Reflexive and quick physical movements
- Rapid spreading of something
Sense Map
Sudden Physical Movement
A reflexive action or bodily movement that is surprisingly fast.
ばっと立ち上がる。
Rapid Spreading
Something expanding or spreading over a large area in a very short time.
噂がばっと広まった。
Usage Note
How to Use
ばっと + verb
Placed immediately before a verb to emphasize that the action is done suddenly, swiftly, or reflexively.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ばっと立ち上がる
to stand up suddenly
ばっと振り返る
to turn around quickly
ばっと広がる
to spread rapidly
ばっと飛び出す
to jump out suddenly
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Reflexive movements | neutral | Emphasizes that the subject moves without hesitation and very quickly, often due to being startled or reacting instinctively. |
| Spreading of information | neutral | Frequently used to describe a rumor, news, or even something abstract spreading to many people in the blink of an eye. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぱっと ぱっと / similar | When something happens instantly, often involving light, a visual change, or a brightening mood. | ばっと (batto) implies more physical force or intensity, whereas パッと is brighter, lighter, and often used for visual changes. | パッと電気がつく |
はっと はっと / similar | When suddenly noticing, realizing, or being mentally surprised by something. | ばっと is used for physical movement or spreading, whereas はっと is used for a sudden mental realization or a startle response. | はっと気づく |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using ばっと for slow or gradual actions.
ばっと is strictly for things that happen in a flash or very suddenly.
Using ばっと when you suddenly realize or remember something.
Use はっと (hatto) for mental realizations or sudden surprises, not ばっと.
Examples
Examples
彼はばっと立ち上がった。
かれはばっとたちあがった。
He stood up suddenly.
LiteralEmphasizes a very quick, reflexive physical movement.
後ろで音がして、ばっと振り返った。
うしろでおとがして、ばっとふりかえった。
Hearing a noise behind me, I quickly looked back.
LiteralA reflexive reaction done instantly without thinking.
その噂は町中にばっと広まった。
そのうわさはまちじゅうにばっとひろまった。
That rumor spread throughout the town in a flash.
FigurativeUsed to describe something abstract spreading very rapidly.
猫が茂みからばっと飛び出してきた。
ねこがしげみからばっととびだしてきた。
A cat suddenly jumped out from the bushes.
LiteralEmphasizes a fast, unexpected, and surprising appearance.
彼女はばっと顔を上げて私を見た。
かのじょはばっとかおをあげてわたしをみた。
She suddenly raised her head and looked at me.
LiteralA swift head movement, as if suddenly realizing something.
Similar Words
パッと
patto
Describes an action or change that occurs instantly, or something lacking a striking impression. More often used for light or lighter visual state changes.
はっと
hatto
Hatto is an adverb describing surprise, sudden realization, or abrupt movement. Focuses on sudden realization or mental surprise.
がばっと
gabatto
Describes a sudden, highly energetic, and forceful physical action.
Questions
What is the difference between ばっと (batto) and パッと (patto)?
Both mean 'suddenly' or 'in a flash', but ばっと focuses more on a strong, forceful physical movement or intense spreading. パッと is used more for light, visual changes, or lighter state changes.
Can I use ばっと for sudden weather changes?
Usually no, unless you are describing something being forcefully moved by a sudden gust of wind. For sudden heavy rain, ざあっと (zaatto) is much better.
Is this word appropriate for formal writing?
It is mainly used in spoken language and casual descriptive writing. In highly formal business documents, it is better to use formal adverbs like 突然 (totsuzen) or 急激に (kyuugekini).
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2121670
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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