Entry
パタパタ
patapata
It describes light, repetitive sounds like flapping, pitter-patter footsteps, or tasks being completed in quick succession.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word represents light, dry, rhythmic sounds such as a fan flapping, a flag in the wind, the pitter-patter of a child's footsteps, or lightly beating dust out of a cushion. Metaphorically, it is used when errands, tasks, or problems are being resolved efficiently one after another without a hitch.
- flapping sound
- pitter-patter steps
- dusting/beating
- quick progress
Sense Map
Flapping or fanning
Describes the light sound of a flat object moving repeatedly, such as a hand fan, small bird's wings, or a flag blowing in the wind.
うちわでパタパタあおぐ
Light footsteps
The sound of light, rapid footsteps, usually associated with children, pets, or someone jogging in slippers.
子供がパタパタ走る
Beating or dusting
A light, repetitive striking sound to remove dust from clothes, cushions, or rugs.
ほこりをパタパタ払う
Quick progress (work)
Describes chores, tasks, or problems being completed one by one quickly and in succession.
用事がパタパタ片付く
Usage Note
How to Use
パタパタと + verb
パタパタ + verb
パタパタする
Indicates the action of fanning, something flapping in the wind, or bustling about with light footsteps.
How to Use
Common Phrases
パタパタあおぐ
to fan lightly
パタパタ走る
to run with pitter-patter steps
ほこりをパタパタ払う
to lightly beat the dust off
パタパタ片付く
to finish quickly in succession
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing footsteps. | neutral | Sounds cute and non-threatening, like a child or someone in slippers. |
| Finishing work. | positive | Indicates good efficiency without chaotic stress. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ばたばた ばたばた / opposite | Use "バタバタ" for heavier flapping sounds, heavy footsteps, or panicked, chaotic rushing. | Unlike the light and nimble "パタパタ", "バタバタ" sounds rough, heavy, and rushed. | バタバタと走り回る |
ひらひら ひらひら / similar | Use it for something floating or fluttering softly in the air, like flower petals or leaves. | "ひらひら" does not produce the clear slapping or striking sound that "パタパタ" does. | 桜がひらひら舞う |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using "パタパタ" for extreme panic or an adult's heavy footsteps.
Use "バタバタ" or "ドタドタ" for heavy steps or panic. "パタパタ" is strictly for light steps or sounds.
Equating it with "ひらひら" when leaves fall silently.
"パタパタ" requires an audible rhythmic striking or flapping sound (like a fan), whereas "ひらひら" is pure soundless fluttering.
Examples
Examples
暑いので、うちわで顔をパタパタとあおいだ。
あついので、うちわでかおをパタパタとあおいだ。
Because it was hot, I lightly fanned my face with a hand fan.
LiteralFocuses on the rhythmic flapping sound and light motion of the hand fan.
子供が廊下をパタパタと走っていった。
こどもがろうかをパタパタとはしっていった。
The child ran down the hallway with pitter-patter steps.
LiteralDescribes the light, rapid pitter-patter footsteps of a child.
座布団のほこりをパタパタと払う。
ざぶとんのほこりをパタパタとはらう。
Lightly beating the dust out of the floor cushion.
LiteralDescribes the light, rhythmic striking sound used to remove dust.
風で旗がパタパタと音を立てている。
かぜではたがパタパタとおとをたてている。
The flag is making a flapping sound in the wind.
VisualFocuses on the sound and visual motion of the fabric snapping in the wind.
溜まっていた仕事がパタパタと片付いた。
たまっていたしごとがパタパタとかたづいた。
The piled-up work was finished off in quick succession.
FigurativeMetaphorical use describing tasks being resolved briskly and efficiently.
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. Heavier, noisier, and more chaotic than patapata.
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. Moving or fluttering in the air without a striking sound.
Questions
What is the difference between "patapata" and "batabata"?
"Patapata" is a light sound (small wings, light steps, smooth progress), while "batabata" is a heavier sound or chaotic rushing.
Can I use it for an adult running?
Usually not, unless they are wearing slippers that make a light tapping sound. For heavy footsteps, use "dotadota".
Is it always about sound?
Not always. Figuratively, it is often used for situations where tasks or problems are successfully resolved one after another in quick succession.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2121680
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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