Entry
ジタバタ
jitabata
Describes the act of physically flailing one's limbs or panicking desperately when backed into a corner.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word illustrates the physical motion of wildly moving one's arms and legs to resist, escape, or throw a tantrum. Figuratively, it refers to panicking, making a fuss, or desperately trying to resist a bad situation when there are no good options left.
- Physically struggling or flailing
- Panicking or making a fuss when cornered
Sense Map
Physical Movement
Frantically moving limbs to resist restraint, escape a trap, or throw a physical tantrum.
ジタバタと足を動かす。
Mental State
Getting flustered, panicking, or putting up futile resistance when faced with an unavoidable outcome.
今さらジタバタしても遅い。
Usage Note
How to Use
ジタバタする
Used as a verb meaning to struggle, flail, or panic.
ジタバタしないで
A common negative request telling someone to stop panicking or to accept the situation calmly.
ジタバタと + verb
Used as an adverb to describe performing an action while flailing or struggling.
How to Use
Common Phrases
じたばたする
to panic or struggle
じたばた暴れる
to flail and act violently
じたばたもがく
to writhe and struggle
今さらじたばたする
to panic when it is already too late
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Restraint | Negative | Used when a person or animal is caught, trapped, or held down and tries to break free. |
| Being Cornered | Negative | Implies that the panic is ungraceful and likely pointless. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ばたばた ばたばた / similar | When someone is busily rushing around or making flapping noises. | Focuses on busy movement or sound, whereas this word focuses on desperate struggling or panicking in place. | 忙しくてバタバタする。 |
あたふた あたふた / similar | When someone is confused and rushing because of an unexpected event. | Focuses on a hurried, confused state of mind, while this word implies futile resistance or being backed into a corner. | 急な来客にあたふたする。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using this word to say you are busy getting ready for work.
Use バタバタ for being busy. This word means struggling helplessly or panicking.
Using this to describe happy excitement.
This word is almost always negative, describing frustration, helplessness, or futile resistance.
Examples
Examples
子供がおもちゃを買ってもらえず、床でジタバタと足を動かして暴れた。
こどもがおもちゃをかってもらえず、ゆかでジタバタとあしをうごかしてあばれた。
The child threw a tantrum on the floor, flailing their legs because they didn't get the toy.
VisualDescribes the physical flailing movement during a tantrum.
クモの巣にかかった虫が、逃げようとしてジタバタもがいている。
クモのすにかかったむしが、にげようとしてジタバタもがいている。
The bug caught in the spiderweb is struggling and wriggling to escape.
VisualDescribes the desperate physical struggle of something that is trapped.
締め切りが過ぎてから、今さらジタバタしても遅い。
しめきりがすぎてから、いまさらジタバタしてもおそい。
It is too late to panic now that the deadline has passed.
FigurativeUsed to show that panicking at this point is futile.
彼は不利な状況に追い詰められると、いつもジタバタする。
かれはふりなじょうきょうにおいつめられると、いつもジタバタする。
He always panics and makes a fuss when he gets cornered in a disadvantageous situation.
FigurativeShows a loss of composure when backed into a corner.
ジタバタしないで、落ち着いて解決策を考えましょう。
ジタバタしないで、おちついてかいけつさくをかんがえましょう。
Don't panic; let's calm down and think of a solution.
FigurativeUsed to calm down someone who is panicking.
Similar Words
バタバタ
batabata
Batabata describes a state of being frantically busy and flustered, or the physical sound of heavy flapping, clattering footsteps, or things falling in quick succession. Shows busy movement, whereas Jitabata is struggling in place.
ドタバタ
dotabata
Describes the loud noise of heavy footsteps running around, or a state of frantic, chaotic panic.
あたふた
atafuta
Describes acting in a rushed, panicked, and disorganized manner due to being caught off guard. Shows panic due to being rushed, not due to being cornered.
Questions
Can I use this word to describe a busy day at work?
No, this word means panicking or flailing. Use バタバタ for a busy, hectic schedule.
What is the difference between this and あたふた?
あたふた is rushing around in confusion. This word is more about frantic struggling or resisting when you have no way out.
Is this word polite?
It is a casual word. Using it to describe a superior's actions would be considered rude.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1005850
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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