Entry
ささっと
sasatto
Sasatto means performing an action quickly, nimbly, and efficiently in a short amount of time.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
The Japanese mimetic word sasatto describes doing something swiftly and lightly. It is typically used for brief, routine actions that are completed without spending much time or effort, such as tidying up, eating a quick meal, or finishing a minor task.
- Quick action
- Efficient
Sense Map
Actions and Tasks
Finishing a task or chore quickly and efficiently.
宿題をささっと終わらせる。
Daily Routines
Performing daily routines like eating or showering in a short time without lingering.
ささっと食事を済ませる。
Usage Note
How to Use
ささっと + verb
Describes that the verb or action is performed quickly and lightly.
ささっと済ませる
A common phrase meaning to get something done quickly so you can move on to the next thing.
ささっと終わらせる
Focuses on finishing a task or chore briefly and efficiently.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ささっと終わらせる
finish quickly
ささっと片付ける
tidy up quickly
ささっと済ませる
get it done quickly
ささっと食べる
eat quickly
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Finishing routine chores | positive | Shows efficiency and the ability to get things done without making a big deal out of them. |
| Eating or taking a shower | neutral | Indicates that the person is doing it quickly just to finish it, not lingering or taking their time. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
さっさと さっさと / similar | Used when urging someone to do something without delay, often impatiently. | Sasatto focuses on the lightness and agility of the action itself, while sassato carries a tone of urgency or impatience toward someone. | さっさと起きなさい |
ざっと ざっと / similar | Used when doing something roughly or skimming over something without detail. | Zatto implies a lack of thoroughness, whereas sasatto focuses on the speed and nimble execution of completely finishing something. | ざっと目を通す |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using sasatto to command someone else to hurry up.
Use sassato if you want to rush someone. Sasatto is better suited for describing actions that are genuinely quick and easy to perform.
Using it to describe completing a major project or a very difficult undertaking.
Sasatto is only appropriate for light tasks, routines, or brief matters that can be resolved on the spot.
Examples
Examples
部屋が散らかっていたので、ささっと片付けた。
へやがちらかっていたので、ささっとかたづけた。
Since the room was messy, I quickly tidied it up.
LiteralShows finishing a cleaning task efficiently in a short time.
時間がないから、昼ごはんをささっと食べよう。
じかんがないから、ひるごはんをささっとたべよう。
Since we have no time, let's eat lunch quickly.
LiteralUsed for daily routines done briefly without lingering.
出かける前に、ささっとシャワーを浴びる。
でかけるまえに、ささっとシャワーをあびる。
Before heading out, I will take a quick shower.
LiteralImplies washing up briskly without spending too much time.
彼女はノートにささっとイラストを描いた。
かのじょはノートにささっとイラストをかいた。
She nimbly drew an illustration in her notebook.
VisualDescribes the light and swift physical movement of the hands when drawing.
彼は都合の悪い質問をささっとかわした。
かれはつごうのわるいしつもんをささっとかわした。
He smoothly and swiftly dodged the inconvenient question.
FigurativeA figurative extension showing a nimble and smooth handling of a difficult social situation.
Similar Words
さっさと
sassato
Doing something quickly and without hesitation or delay. Carries a nuance of urgency or impatience, unlike sasatto which just means nimble.
ざっと
zatto
Zatto means to do something quickly and superficially or indicates a rough estimate without fine details. Focuses on doing or looking at something roughly without detail.
すっと
sutto
Describes a smooth, unhindered, swift movement, or a sudden feeling of being emotionally or physically refreshed.
Questions
What is the difference between sasatto and sassato?
Sassato implies impatience or urgency, typically used to tell someone to hurry. Meanwhile, sasatto focuses on nimble and swift execution without an angry tone.
Can I use sasatto for serious or complex tasks?
No, it is best suited for light, simple, or routine tasks that can be completed briefly.
Is sasatto formal?
It is generally used in everyday colloquial situations, though it can describe efficient work in an office setting as well.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2768090
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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