Entry
はたはた
hatahata
The sound and motion of light, flat objects like flags or cloth repeatedly flapping in the wind.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
はたはた (hatahata) describes the continuous fluttering motion and the light, repetitive snapping sound made when thin, flat objects—such as flags, laundry, or curtains—are blown by the wind. It can also describe the rapid fluttering of small wings.
- flapping of cloth/flags
- fluttering of wings
Sense Map
Flapping Cloth in the Wind
Used to describe flags, laundry, or curtains making a rapid snapping sound as they blow in the wind.
旗がはたはたと揺れる
Fluttering Wings
Describes the quick, light fluttering sound of small wings beating.
鳥がはたはたと羽ばたく
Usage Note
How to Use
はたはたと + verb
Acts as an adverb modifying verbs like 揺れる (sway) or なびく (flutter) to describe how something is moving or sounding in the wind.
はたはたする
Functions as a verb meaning 'to flap' or 'to flutter' continuously.
How to Use
Common Phrases
はたはたとなびく
to flutter/flap in the wind
はたはたと音を立てる
to make a flapping sound
旗がはたはたと
a flag flapping...
はたはたと揺れる
to sway and flap
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Flags and Laundry | neutral | The most standard usage. Highlights the audible snapping sound against the wind. |
| Bird wings | neutral | Describes quick, repetitive fluttering. Usually used for smaller birds or light wingbeats, rather than powerful soaring. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ひらひら ひらひら / similar | For light things like petals, small paper, or fabric elegantly dancing or floating in the air. | ひらひら emphasizes a graceful, silent, floating motion, whereas はたはた emphasizes a rapid, audible snapping or flapping caused by the wind. | 花びらがひらひらと舞う |
さやさや さやさや / nearby | For the gentle, whispering sound of leaves or grass rubbing together in a soft breeze. | さやさや is purely for the soft rustling of foliage, not the flapping of cloth or wings. | 木の葉がさやさやと揺れる |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for heavy thuds or loud crashing noises.
はたはた is a relatively light sound. For heavier, louder banging caused by wind (like a door slamming), use バタン (batan).
Using it for things falling down gracefully.
If a leaf or paper is gently falling to the ground, use ひらひら (hirahira). はたはた implies the object is tethered and flapping, or actively beating its wings.
Examples
Examples
強い風が吹いて、国旗がはたはたと音を立てている。
つよい かぜ が ふいて、 こっき が はたはた と おと を たてている。
A strong wind is blowing, and the national flag is making a flapping sound.
VisualHighlights the sound and motion of the flag.
干してある洗濯物が、風にはたはたとなびいている。
ほしてある せんたくもの が、 かぜ に はたはた と なびいている。
The hanging laundry is fluttering in the wind.
VisualShows how the wind moves the hanging clothes.
窓を開けると、カーテンがはたはたと揺れた。
まど を あける と、 カーテン が はたはた と ゆれた。
When I opened the window, the curtain fluttered in the breeze.
VisualDescribes the curtain catching the wind and moving quickly.
小鳥がはたはたと羽ばたいて飛んでいった。
ことり が はたはた と はばたいて とんでいった。
The small bird fluttered its wings and flew away.
LiteralRefers to the rapid flapping of a small bird's wings.
テントの布が風ではたはたして、少しうるさい。
テント の ぬの が かぜ で はたはた して、 すこし うるさい。
The tent fabric is flapping in the wind and is a bit noisy.
LiteralUses the verb form with 'suru' (to flap/flutter).
Similar Words
ひらひら
hirahira
Hirahira describes the light, gentle fluttering or flapping motion of thin objects like petals or cloth in the wind, or refers to frilly designs. For light objects floating or dancing gracefully without loud sounds.
さやさや
sayasaya
A gentle, soft rustling sound made by leaves, grass, or bamboo swaying in a light breeze. For the soft, whispering rustle of leaves.
ビュービュー
byuubyuu
The loud, howling sound of a fierce wind, or the sound of heavy wheezing.
Questions
Does はたはた describe just the sound or the visual motion?
It describes both simultaneously. It captures the visual fluttering and the characteristic snapping sound that accompanies it.
Can I use はたはた for a leaf falling from a tree?
No, ひらひら (hirahira) is much better for a gracefully falling leaf. はたはた requires a more rapid, repetitive flapping, like a flag on a pole.
Is はたはた related to the fish called 'hatahata'?
The sandfish is also called hatahata (鰰), but the origin is different and they are not used interchangeably in this context.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2121650
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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