Entry
はっと
hatto
Hatto is an adverb describing surprise, sudden realization, or abrupt movement.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
Hatto describes a sudden response to something surprising or unexpected. It can manifest as a gasp, a sudden realization, or a quick, unexpected movement. The word is often used to signify a sudden change in awareness or physical state.
- [object Object]
- [object Object]
Sense Map
Emotional/Cognitive Reaction
Describes feelings of surprise, shock, or sudden awareness of a situation or piece of information.
驚きのあまり、息をはっと呑んだ。
Sudden Physical Change
Describes the sudden appearance or movement of something, such as an object suddenly becoming visible or a quick, unexpected motion.
暗闇から顔がはっと現れた。
Usage Note
How to Use
はっとする
States the action of "realizing something with surprise" or "being startled" in a general sense.
はっとした + noun
Uses 'hatto shita' as an adjective to describe a noun that is the result of a sudden realization or surprise.
はっと + verb
Describes how a verb is performed in a sudden or surprising manner.
はっと息をのむ
An idiom literally meaning "to hold one's breath in surprise" or "to gasp."
How to Use
Common Phrases
はっとする
To suddenly realize something or be startled.
はっとした顔
A face showing surprise or shock.
はっと気づく
To suddenly notice or realize.
はっと息をのむ
To gasp in surprise.
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Sudden Realization | Neutral to Positive | Indicates an "aha!" moment or a sudden flash of insight. |
| Abrupt Appearance | Neutral | Describes something suddenly becoming visible or appearing. |
| Physical Response | Neutral to Negative | Gasping or flinching due to surprise or shock. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
はっと はっと / similar | For sudden changes in awareness, surprise, or abrupt physical appearances. | Other words for surprise or sudden change, like "zotto" (shudder) or "bikkuri" (general surprise). | 夜中に電気がはっと消えた。 |
びっくり びっくり / similar | For general surprise in various situations, not necessarily sudden or sharp like hatto. | Hatto emphasizes the 'sudden' and 'sharp' element of surprise or realization more strongly. | 突然の音にびっくりした。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using 'hatto' for general surprise that is not sudden.
Use 'hatto' primarily when there is an element of abruptness, sudden realization, or a sharp change in appearance. For general surprise, 'bikkuri' might be more appropriate.
Confusing 'hatto' with 'easily' or 'quickly' without the nuance of surprise.
'Hatto' inherently involves a sense of surprise or sudden awareness. Words like "kantani" (easily) or "hayaku" (quickly) are more suitable for 'easy' or 'fast' without the surprise element.
Examples
Examples
暗闇で、突然電気がはっと消えた。
くらやみで、とつぜんでんきがはっときえた。
In the darkness, the lights suddenly went out.
VisualDescribes a sudden visual event.
彼の突然の告白に、彼女ははっとした顔になった。
かれのとつぜんのこくはくにかのじょははっとしたかおになった。
At his sudden confession, her face became startled.
FigurativeDescribes a facial expression showing sudden surprise.
古い記憶が、ふとはっと蘇った。
ふるいきおくが、ふとはっとよみがえった。
An old memory suddenly came back.
FigurativeDescribes a cognitive process, a sudden realization.
階段を上がると、突然、目の前がはっと明るくなった。
かいだんをあがると、とつぜん、めのまえがはっとあかるくなった。
As I went up the stairs, suddenly, my view became bright.
VisualDescribes a sudden visual change, such as an area previously dark becoming bright.
怪しい人影が、角からとはっと現れた。
あやしいひとかげがかどからはっとあらわれた。
A suspicious figure suddenly appeared from the corner.
VisualDescribes a sudden and startling physical appearance.
Similar Words
はっと
はっと
For sudden changes in awareness, surprise, or abrupt physical appearances. Other words for surprise or sudden change, like "zotto" (shudder) or "bikkuri" (general surprise).
びっくり
びっくり
For general surprise in various situations, not necessarily sudden or sharp like hatto. Hatto emphasizes the 'sudden' and 'sharp' element of surprise or realization more strongly.
どっと
dotto
Dotto describes a sudden, large influx of people, or a simultaneous outbreak of sound or applause.
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.
ふっと
futto
ふっと describes a sudden, light action that happens without warning, such as a small puff of breath, a suddenly remembered thought, or something quietly disappearing.
ぬっと
nutto
Describes a large, imposing, or menacing presence suddenly appearing, standing up, or looming out of nowhere.
Questions
What is the main difference between はっと and びっくり?
Hatto emphasizes the 'sudden' and 'sharp' aspect of surprise, realization, or movement, often involving a gasp or sudden awareness. Bikkuri is a more general term for surprise or shock.
When should I use はっと to describe an appearance?
Use hatto when something appears suddenly and surprisingly, such as an object suddenly appearing out of the darkness or a person suddenly showing up in front of you.
Can はっと be used for physical feelings?
Yes, hatto can describe a sudden physical response such as gasping (はっと息をのむ) or flinching due to surprise or shock.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1010170
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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