Entry
どっと
dotto
Dotto describes a sudden, large influx of people, or a simultaneous outbreak of sound or applause.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
'Dotto' is an adverb that emphasizes a sudden, forceful, or large-scale surge or outbreak. It's commonly used to describe crowds rushing in (e.g., どっと人が押し寄せる) or a wave of sound like laughter or applause (e.g., どっと笑いが起こる).
- Sudden influx of people
- Sudden outbreak of sound/applause
Sense Map
Sudden influx of people
People moving rapidly towards a place, all at once or in large numbers.
どっと人が押し寄せる
Sudden outbreak of sound/applause
Laughter, applause, or cheers occurring simultaneously or without pause, from many people.
どっと笑いが起こる
Usage Note
How to Use
dotto + verb (e.g., oshiyoseru, okoru, kuru, atsumaru)
As an adverb, 'dotto' modifies verbs, emphasizing that the action occurs suddenly, all at once, or in large numbers.
dotto + noun (rare, usually implies a rush of people)
How to Use
Common Phrases
どっと人が押し寄せる
Crowds of people surge/rush in.
どっと笑いが起こる
Laughter bursts out.
どっと拍手が起こる
Applause erupts.
どっと歓声が上がる
Cheers go up all at once.
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| People arriving | neutral | Implies a large, sudden arrival, often of crowds. |
| Sounds/Applause | neutral | Indicates a sudden, unified outbreak of sound. |
| Events | neutral | Suggests a sudden surge or increase in activity or participation. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
どばっと どばっと / similar | Describes liquids gushing out or objects being thrown out in large quantities. Focuses on the forceful movement of liquids or solids, rather than crowds or sounds. | 'Dotto' is often used for crowds and sounds, while 'dobatto' describes the forceful release of liquids or objects. | 水がドバッと飛び出した。 |
すっと すっと / contrast | Describes a smooth, quiet, or sudden appearance or passage. Contrasts with the forceful surge of 'dotto'. | 'Sutto' describes smooth movements, quiet entrances, or sudden realizations, whereas 'dotto' describes a sudden, forceful, and large-scale outbreak or arrival of people or sounds. | 彼は部屋にすっと入ってきた。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using 'dotto' for smooth or quiet movements.
'Dotto' describes sudden, forceful, and large-scale occurrences. For smooth or quiet movements, use words like 'sutto' or 'hissori'.
Using 'dotto' for individual, isolated events.
'Dotto' refers to many things happening at once or in a large group. It's not used for single events or small numbers.
Examples
Examples
応援の声がどっと上がった。
おうえんのこえがどっとあがった。
Cheers of support erupted all at once.
LiteralEmphasizes the simultaneous outbreak of applause or cheers.
開場と同時に観客がどっと詰めかけた。
かいじょうとどうじにかんきゃくがどっとつめかけた。
As soon as the venue opened, the audience rushed in.
LiteralDescribes many people arriving all at once.
突然の知らせに、どっと疲労感に襲われた。
とつぜんのしらせに、どっとひろうかんにそうわれた。
Upon hearing the sudden news, exhaustion overwhelmed me.
FigurativeEmphasizes a sudden and strong onset of fatigue.
その冗談で、どっと笑いが起こった。
そのじょうだんで、どっとわらいがおこった。
Because of that joke, laughter burst out.
LiteralDescribes laughter occurring simultaneously and loudly.
新しい情報がどっと流れ込んできた。
あたらしいじょうほうなどがどっとながれこんできた。
New information flooded in.
LiteralDescribes a sudden, large influx of information.
Similar Words
ドバッと
dobatto
Describes liquids gushing out or objects being thrown out in large quantities.
はっと
hatto
Hatto is an adverb describing surprise, sudden realization, or abrupt movement.
がばっと
gabatto
Describes a sudden, highly energetic, and forceful physical action.
ひょっこり
hyokkori
Describes the action of someone or something appearing suddenly, unexpectedly, or out of nowhere.
すっと
sutto
Describes a smooth, unhindered, swift movement, or a sudden feeling of being emotionally or physically refreshed. Describes a smooth, quiet, or sudden appearance or passage. Contrasts with the forceful surge of 'dotto'.
ぬっと
nutto
Describes a large, imposing, or menacing presence suddenly appearing, standing up, or looming out of nowhere.
Questions
In what situations is 'dotto' used?
'Dotto' is used when a large number of people rush in at once, or when laughter or applause breaks out simultaneously, describing a sudden, forceful, and large-scale occurrence.
What is the difference between 'dotto' and 'dobatto'?
'Dotto' is mainly used for crowds of people, voices, or applause, while 'dobatto' is often used for liquids gushing out or objects being thrown out forcefully.
Is 'dotto' a positive term?
'Dotto' itself is neutral. Its positivity or negativity depends on the context. For example, applause for cheering is positive, but people rushing to evacuate in a disaster is a negative situation where 'dotto' can also be used.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1009210
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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