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Entry

がばっと

gabatto

Describes a sudden, highly energetic, and forceful physical action.

Meaning

Quick Meaning

A mimetic word used to describe an action that occurs suddenly with great force or large physical scale. It is commonly used for dynamic movements such as springing vigorously out of bed, or grabbing a large handful of something all at once.

  • Springing up or moving with sudden vigor
  • Grabbing or taking forcefully

Sense Map

Springing Up

Suddenly waking up or rising to one's feet with immense energy and force.

ベッドからがばっと起き上がる。

Grabbing Action

Taking, seizing, or embracing something forcefully or in a large quantity at once.

札束をがばっとつかむ。

Usage Note

How to Use

  • がばっと + verb

    Functions as an adverb before verbs of physical movement to emphasize how sudden and vigorous the action is.

  • がばっと + physical action

How to Use

Common Phrases

がばっと起き上がる

to spring up vigorously

がばっとつかむ

to grab forcefully

がばっと抱きつく

to throw oneself into an embrace

がばっと顔を上げる

to jerk one's head up suddenly

Nuance

Context Nuance

Common ContextsNuanceUsage Note
Waking upneutralVery frequently paired with 起き上がる (to get up) when someone realizes they are late or is startled awake.
Grabbing thingsneutralIndicates that the subject is taking a large amount of items at once with their hands.

Similar Words

Comparison Table

Similar WordsWhen to UseNot the Same asMini Example

ぐいっと

ぐいっと / similar

Use 'guitto' for pulling, pushing, or downing a drink forcefully in one go.Unlike 'gabatto' which often involves jumping up or scooping something large, 'guitto' focuses on a concentrated, forceful tug or push.ぐいっと引っ張る。

ぱっと

ぱっと / contrast

Use 'patto' for instantaneous, swift changes or movements, like a flash of light.Lacks the nuance of 'rough physical force or large mass' that 'gabatto' carries.パッと目が覚める。

Usage Note

Common Mistakes

Using it for sudden rain (e.g., がばっと雨が降る).

Use words like 'suddenly' (突然). 'Gabatto' is for animate, forceful physical actions.

Assuming it means a gentle, swift motion.

It always carries a nuance of roughness, force, or a large physical sweep. It is not suitable for light movements.

Examples

Examples

寝坊したことに気づき、ベッドからがばっと起き上がった。

ねぼうした こと に きづき、 ベッド から がばっと おきあがった。

Realizing I overslept, I sprang out of bed suddenly.

LiteralThis is the most typical use of 'gabatto', showing someone jumping up in panic or surprise.

Source: Internal

泥棒は机の上の現金をがばっとつかんで逃げた。

どろぼう は つくえ の うえ の げんきん を がばっと つかんで にげた。

The thief forcefully grabbed the cash on the desk and ran away.

LiteralShows the action of grabbing a large amount of something roughly and all at once.

Source: Internal

暑かったので、夜中にがばっと布団をはいだ。

あつかった ので、 よなか に がばっと ふとん を はいだ。

Because it was hot, I forcefully threw off the blanket in the middle of the night.

VisualFocuses on the large, vigorous motion of throwing or pushing something aside.

Source: Internal

子供は嬉しそうに母親にがばっと抱きついた。

こども は うれしそう に ははおや に がばっと だきついた。

The child happily threw themselves into their mother's arms.

LiteralIndicates throwing one's whole body enthusiastically towards someone else.

Source: Internal

下を向いていた彼が、がばっと顔を上げた。

した を むいていた かれ が、 がばっと かお を あげた。

He, who had been looking down, jerked his head up suddenly.

VisualDescribes a sudden, rough change of direction performed with vigor.

Source: Internal

Similar Words

Questions

Can I use 'gabatto' for a sudden change of mind?

No. 'Gabatto' refers to physical, forceful actions. For abstract sudden changes, use words meaning 'suddenly' or 'completely'.

Can 'gabatto' be used for quick and light movements?

No, this word always emphasizes heavy force, vigor, and the large scale of the movement, not just speed.

Is this word formal?

It is neutral to informal. It is highly descriptive and widely used in daily conversation and literature.

Source Details

Entry ID
2101930
Source
JMdict_english
Revision
-
Review notes
No special notes
Active language
English
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