Entry
ピカッと
pikatto
A sudden, intensely bright, and very brief flash of light.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
Describes a sudden, bright, and often brief emission or reflection of light. The '-tto' suffix emphasizes a singular, instantaneous event (like a sudden lightning strike or a camera flash), contrasting with continuous shining.
- Sudden flash
- Brief light
- Flash of insight
Sense Map
Sudden Flash
A single, sudden, and bright flash of light, such as lightning or a camera strobe.
カメラのストロボがピカッと光る。
Figurative (Inspiration)
A figurative flash of insight or a brilliant idea coming to mind suddenly.
良いアイデアがピカッと閃く。
Usage Note
How to Use
ピカッと + 光る
The most common pattern, meaning 'to flash brightly'.
ピカッと + 閃く
Used figuratively to mean 'to have a sudden flash of inspiration'.
ピカッと + する
Indicates the action of emitting a single flash.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ピカッと光る
to flash brightly
ピカッとする
to make a flash
空がピカッと光る
the sky flashes (lightning)
ピカッと閃く
to have a sudden flash of inspiration
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Phenomena | neutral | Frequently used for lightning right before the thunder is heard. |
| Electronics | neutral | Very common for camera flashes or warning lights that blink brightly once. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぴかぴか ぴかぴか / similar | Used for continuous, repeating bright flashes or an object that is polished and shiny. | ピカッと is strictly for a single, brief flash, while ピカピカ is continuous. | 靴をピカピカに磨く。 |
きらきら きらきら / similar | Used for light that twinkles or sparkles beautifully, like stars or jewels. | ピカッと focuses on the intensity and surprise of a single burst of light, not a beautiful twinkle. | 星がキラキラ光る。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using ピカッと to describe stars shining in the night sky.
Use キラキラ for stars. ピカッと is for abrupt, single flashes like lightning.
Writing it without the small 'tsu' as ピカと.
The correct spelling is ピカッと, as the small 'tsu' conveys the abruptness of the flash.
Examples
Examples
記念写真を撮る時、カメラのストロボがピカッと光った。
きねんしゃしん を とる とき、 カメラ の ストロボ が ピカッと ひかった。
When taking the commemorative photo, the camera flash flashed brightly.
VisualDescribes the sudden, bright light of a camera flash.
遠くの空がピカッと光り、数秒後に雷の音が聞こえた。
とおく の そら が ピカッと ひかり、 すうびょうご に かみなり の おと が きこえた。
The distant sky flashed brightly, and a few seconds later, the sound of thunder was heard.
VisualCommonly used for lightning flashes.
問題の解決策が突然頭の中にピカッと閃いた。
もんだい の かいけつさく が とつぜん あたま の なか に ピカッと ひらめいた。
A solution to the problem suddenly flashed in my mind.
FigurativeA very common figurative use for sudden inspiration or insight.
暗闇の中で、車のヘッドライトに反射して猫の目がピカッと光った。
くらやみ の なか で、 くるま の ヘッドライト に はんしゃ して ねこ の め が ピカッと ひかった。
In the dark, the cat's eyes flashed brightly, reflecting the car's headlights.
VisualShows a brief but very bright reflection of light.
機械のエラーを知らせる赤いランプがピカッと点いた。
きかい の エラー を しらせる あかい ランプ が ピカッと ついた。
The red lamp indicating a machine error suddenly flashed on.
VisualCan be used for electronic lights turning on abruptly.
Similar Words
ピカピカ
pikapika
ピカピカ describes something that is shiny, spotlessly clean, or brand new. For continuous or repeating bright flashes.
キラキラ
kirakira
Describes light that shines or glitters beautifully and rhythmically. For beautifully twinkling or sparkling light.
パッと
patto
Describes an action or change that occurs instantly, or something lacking a striking impression.
Questions
What is the difference between pikatto and pikapika?
ピカッと is a single, quick flash, whereas ピカピカ refers to continuous flashing or a polished, shiny state.
Can I use pikatto for getting a good idea?
Yes, the phrase 'ピカッと閃く' (pikatto hirameku) perfectly describes a sudden flash of inspiration.
Is this word used for sounds?
No, it is strictly a visual mimetic word for light, never for sound.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2203020
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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