Entry
ぱったり
pattari
Pattari describes something stopping abruptly, meeting someone unexpectedly, or a light object falling flat.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
Pattari is a mimetic word used to describe three main situations: the abrupt and complete cessation of an ongoing action or state (like rain or communication), bumping into someone by chance, or a light object falling flat with a soft thud. It carries a lighter, less forceful nuance compared to its voiced counterpart 'battari'.
- sudden stop
- chance encounter
- light fall
Sense Map
Encounter
Meeting someone by chance or bumping into them unexpectedly.
街で旧友にぱったり会った。
Sudden Stop
The abrupt and complete stopping of an action, communication, or natural phenomenon.
雨がぱったりと止んだ。
Light Fall
A light object or person falling flat with a soft sound.
ベッドにぱったりと倒れ込んだ。
Usage Note
How to Use
ぱったり（と）+ verb
Used as an adverb modifying verbs related to stopping (止む, 途絶える), meeting (会う), or falling (倒れる). The 'と' (to) is optional but adds a slightly more definitive feel.
ぱったり（と）止む
ぱったり（と）途絶える
How to Use
Common Phrases
ぱったり止む
stop abruptly (rain/wind)
ぱったり出会う
meet unexpectedly
ぱったり倒れる
fall flat suddenly
ぱったり途絶える
communication ceases completely
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Rain or wind stopping | neutral | Implies that the weather suddenly cleared up completely with no lingering drizzle. |
| Communication ceasing | neutral | Indicates that letters, calls, or visits have completely stopped without any explanation. |
| Meeting someone | neutral | A surprise chance encounter, often with someone you haven't seen in a while. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ばったり ばったり / similar | When a heavy object falls or when a surprise encounter feels more impactful or dramatic. | Battari implies a heavier physical impact or a bigger surprise than pattari. | 道で先生とばったり会った。 |
ぷっつり ぷっつり / similar | When a thread, string, or a relationship connection suddenly snaps or breaks off. | Puttsuri focuses on the feeling of something being 'cut' or 'snapped', often used for communication being severed completely. | 連絡がぷっつり途絶えた。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it to describe a heavy and loud crash.
Use 'battari' or 'dotan' for heavy falls; 'pattari' is reserved for lighter impacts.
Using it to mean 'suddenly' for the start of an action (e.g., suddenly running).
Pattari is used for stopping or meeting, not for an action suddenly beginning (use 'kyuu ni' instead).
Examples
Examples
雨がぱったりと止み、青空が見えてきた。
あめがぱったりとやみ、あおぞらがみえてきた。
The rain stopped abruptly, and the blue sky began to show.
VisualUsed to describe rain stopping completely and abruptly.
駅前で昔の友達にぱったり会った。
えきまえでむかしのともだちにぱったりあった。
I unexpectedly bumped into an old friend in front of the station.
LiteralIndicates a chance encounter with someone.
卒業してから、彼からの連絡はぱったり途絶えた。
そつぎょうしてから、かれからのれんらくはぱったりとだえた。
Since graduation, contact from him ceased completely.
FigurativeDescribes a situation where communication completely stops without explanation.
疲れ果てて、ベッドにぱったりと倒れ込んだ。
つかれはてて、べっどにぱったりとたおれこんだ。
Completely exhausted, I fell flat onto the bed.
LiteralDescribes the body falling flat due to exhaustion.
午後になると、お店への客足がぱったりと止まった。
ごごになると、おみせへのきゃくあしがぱったりととまった。
In the afternoon, the flow of customers to the store stopped abruptly.
FigurativeIndicates that an activity that was busy suddenly became quiet.
Similar Words
ばったり
battari
Describes unexpectedly bumping into someone, falling down heavily, or an ongoing action coming to an abrupt halt. Describes a heavier falling impact or a more dramatic unexpected encounter.
ぷっつり
puttsuri
ぷっつり describes the sharp snap of a taut thread breaking, or the abrupt and complete end of communication. Focuses on communication or ties being completely severed (like a snapped thread).
パタッと
patatto
Describes a light thud or the sudden and complete cessation of an action.
Questions
What is the difference between pattari and battari?
Pattari is lighter and less forceful. Battari describes a heavier fall or a more dramatic, forceful unexpected encounter.
Can pattari be used for someone suddenly starting to cry?
No, pattari is specifically used for actions that suddenly stop. For suddenly bursting into tears, words like 'watto' are more appropriate.
Is 'pattari to' different from 'pattari'?
They mean exactly the same thing. Adding 'to' simply makes the phrase sound a bit more formal or emphasizes the adverbial nature of the word.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2615070
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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