Entry
へたへた
hetaheta
Hetaheta describes the state of losing physical strength, especially in the legs, and sinking or collapsing to the ground.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word is used to show a total drainage of energy. It can be caused by extreme physical exhaustion, or by an emotional reaction like sudden relief, shock, or despair, leaving a person unable to support their own body weight.
- physical exhaustion
- legs giving out from emotion
Sense Map
Physical Exhaustion
Losing strength and sinking down due to extreme fatigue after strenuous activity.
疲れ果ててへたへたと座り込む。
Emotional Reaction
Legs giving out and crumbling down due to shock, fear, or sudden relief.
恐怖で膝がへたへたになる。
Usage Note
How to Use
へたへたと + verb
Modifies verbs like sitting down or collapsing, detailing the manner of losing strength.
へたへたに + naru
Describes the state of losing one's strength, to the point of being unable to stand.
How to Use
Common Phrases
へたへたと座り込む
to sink down exhausted
へたへたになる
to lose one's strength
へたへたと崩れ落ちる
to crumple to the ground
その場にへたへたとなる
to collapse on the spot
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Extreme fatigue | neutral | Used when running a marathon or after a long day of hard physical work. |
| Sudden relief | neutral | Describes legs giving out when tension is released after a stressful event. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ばたんきゅー ばたんきゅー / contrast | When someone falls asleep instantly from exhaustion. | Hetaheta focuses only on losing the strength to stand, without implying falling asleep. | ベッドに倒れてバタンキューだ。 |
すってんころり すってんころり / contrast | When someone slips and falls down entirely. | Hetaheta implies slowly sinking down from weakness, whereas suttenkorori is a sudden, accidental fall. | 氷の上ですってんころりと転んだ。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using hetaheta for a book dropping from a shelf.
It only applies to humans or animals losing strength, not inanimate objects.
Using it to describe intentionally sitting down.
It describes an unintentional loss of strength, not a deliberate action.
Examples
Examples
疲れ果てて、床にへたへたと座り込んだ。
つかれはてて、ゆかにへたへたとすわりこんだ。
I was so exhausted that I sank to the floor.
LiteralShows extreme physical exhaustion.
恐怖で膝がへたへたになった。
きょうふでひざがへたへたになった。
My knees gave out from fear.
FigurativeDescribes losing leg strength due to an emotional reaction.
マラソンのゴール後、彼はその場にへたへたとなった。
まらそんのごーるご、かれはそのばにへたへたとなった。
After crossing the marathon finish line, he collapsed on the spot.
LiteralClassic usage to describe total exhaustion.
無事を聞いて安心し、へたへたと崩れ落ちた。
ぶじをきいてあんしんし、へたへたとくずれおちた。
Relieved to hear they were safe, I crumpled to the ground.
FigurativeShows the loss of strength caused by relief after tension passes.
長い階段を登りきって、へたへたとしゃがみ込んだ。
ながいかいだんをのぼりきって、へたへたとしゃがみこんだ。
After climbing the long stairs, I sank down into a squat.
LiteralShows the body slumping down due to a lack of energy.
Similar Words
バタンキュー
batankyu
Falling and instantly falling asleep.
すってんころり
suttenkorori
Slipping and falling down suddenly.
Questions
Can I use hetaheta for a building collapsing?
No, this word is strictly for living beings losing strength, not structures.
What is the difference between hetaheta and batankyu?
Batankyu means falling into bed and instantly sleeping, while hetaheta just means losing the strength to stand up.
Is this a formal word?
No, it is a descriptive expression used in daily conversation and narrative writing.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2731810
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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