Entry
カッと
katto
Expresses a sudden, high-intensity flare-up of emotion, light, heat, or a sharp physical movement like widening one's eyes.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This mimetic word describes a sharp and sudden transition. It is most commonly applied to a person suddenly losing their cool or exploding in anger. It also depicts a sudden flash of intense light or the sun's burning rays, and the action of opening eyes or mouth wide in a split second.
- Sudden explosion of anger
- Intense heat or brightness appearing suddenly
- Opening eyes or mouth abruptly and widely
Sense Map
Emotion and Anger
Losing one's temper suddenly and intensely.
He flew into a rage over a small mistake.
Light and Heat
Intense sunlight or fire flaring up suddenly.
The summer sun beat down intensely.
Physical Appearance
Opening eyes or mouth wide in a sudden manner.
Her eyes flew wide open in surprise.
Usage Note
How to Use
カッとなる
Describes a change in emotional state, specifically becoming suddenly angry.
カッとする
Describes a momentary state or action, often used for a quick flash of feeling or facial expression.
カッと〜する
Functions as an adverb to modify verbs, describing the intense manner of an action like sunlight shining or eyes opening.
How to Use
Common Phrases
カッとなる性格
short-tempered personality
カッと目を見開く
to snap one's eyes wide open
太陽がカッと照りつける
the sun blazes down
カッときて言い返す
to snap back in a fit of anger
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Anger | negative | Implies a lack of emotional control or impulsiveness. |
| Visuals | neutral | Focuses on the vividness and suddenness of light or movement. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
いらいら いらいら / similar | Use for building frustration or ongoing annoyance. | Katto is an instantaneous explosion, while iraira is a slow burn of irritation. | I was getting frustrated (iraira) with the slow traffic. |
ぱっちり ぱっちり / similar | Use for eyes that are large, bright, and attractively wide open. | Katto for eyes often implies shock, anger, or a more aggressive/sudden snap rather than cuteness. | She has large, bright eyes (pacchiri). |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using katto for a person who is always grumpy.
Katto is for the moment of exploding; for a chronic state, use words like tanki (short-tempered).
Confusing katto with pika-pika.
Pika-pika is for shiny things; katto is for a sudden flare or burning intensity.
Examples
Examples
彼は些細なことでカッとなって、大きな声を出した。
かれはささいなことでかっとなって、おおきなこえをだした。
He flew into a rage over a trivial matter and raised his voice.
FigurativeDescribes a sudden burst of anger.
夏の太陽がカッと照りつけて、地面が熱くなっている。
なつのたいようがかっとてりつけて、じめんがあつくなっている。
The summer sun blazed down, making the ground hot.
VisualDescribes the intensity of the burning sunlight.
驚きのあまり、彼女はカッと目を見開いた。
おどろきのあまり、かのじょはかっとめをみひらいた。
In her surprise, she snapped her eyes wide open.
VisualShows the action of eyes opening wide suddenly.
ガソリンに火を近づけると、カッと燃え上がった。
がそりんにひをちかづけると、かっともえあがった。
When the fire was brought near the gasoline, it flared up instantly.
VisualDescribes fire flaring up suddenly and strongly.
鏡の前でカッと気合を入れてから、家を出た。
かがみのまえでかっときあいをいれてから、いえをでた。
After firing myself up in front of the mirror, I left the house.
FigurativeUsed to show a sudden, intense mental focus or determination.
Similar Words
いらいら
いらいら
Use for building frustration or ongoing annoyance. Katto is an instantaneous explosion, while iraira is a slow burn of irritation.
パッチリ
pacchiri
Describes eyes that are large, bright, and wide open, or being fully awake without drowsiness. Use for eyes that are large, bright, and attractively wide open. Katto for eyes often implies shock, anger, or a more aggressive/sudden snap rather than cuteness.
ピカッと
pikatto
A sudden, intensely bright, and very brief flash of light. Contrast comparison term: ぴかっと.
プリプリ
puripuri
Describes a firm, bouncy texture, or a visibly huffy and angry emotional state. Similar comparison term: ぷりぷり.
苛々
iraira
Describes the feeling of being irritated, annoyed, or impatient when things do not go smoothly.
ムカムカ
mukamuka
ムカムカ is an onomatopoeia for a physical sensation of nausea in the stomach or a psychological feeling of welling anger. Contrast comparison term: むかむか.
Questions
Is katto polite to use?
It is a descriptive word. Describing yourself as 'katto naru' can be a way to apologize for an outburst, but it isn't 'polite' in a formal sense.
Can it be used for the mouth?
Yes, 'katto kuchi o akeru' describes opening the mouth wide suddenly, often in shock or to yell.
Is it the same as getting 'heated' in English?
Yes, specifically the moment you 'lose it' or your temper flares up instantly.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1002910
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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- かっちり (kacchiri)
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