Entry
すぱっと
supatto
To cut something cleanly in one go, or to quit a habit and make a decision completely without any hesitation.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This adverb describes an action that is sharp, clean, and decisive. In a physical sense, it is used when slicing or cutting something cleanly in a single stroke. Figuratively, it describes completely severing ties, quitting a bad habit cold turkey, or refusing something flatly, leaving no room for hesitation, lingering attachment, or ambiguity.
- Cutting something swiftly and cleanly
- Quitting or deciding something decisively
Sense Map
Physical Cutting
The act of cleanly and swiftly cutting or splitting something in one motion.
大根をすぱっと切る
Decisive Action
The act of quitting a habit, refusing, or deciding without hesitation.
タバコをすぱっとやめる
Usage Note
How to Use
すぱっと + verb
Used before verbs indicating cutting (kiru, waru) or quitting/refusing (yameru, kotowaru, akirameru).
すぱっとした + noun
Used to describe a decisive, unhesitating personality or manner.
How to Use
Common Phrases
すぱっと切る
to cut cleanly
すぱっとやめる
to quit completely (cold turkey)
すぱっと断る
to refuse flatly
すぱっと諦める
to give up entirely (without regrets)
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting physical objects | Neutral | Only used if the cutting tool is sharp and the resulting cut is neat, like using a sharp knife or scissors. |
| Quitting bad habits | Positive | Gives the impression that the subject has strong willpower and successfully overcame a temptation. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ばっさり ばっさり / similar | Use when cutting something in large, drastic, or rough amounts, such as chopping off long hair or severely slashing a budget. | Not as clean or precise as すぱっと. すぱっと focuses on a single, neat slice. | 予算をばっさり削る |
すっぱり すっぱり / similar | Very similar and interchangeable, especially when talking about giving up a habit. | すぱっと sounds slightly faster and retains a stronger feel of physical sharpness due to the 'pa' sound. | お酒をすっぱりやめる |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using すぱっと for a slow or gradual process.
すぱっと always implies an action finished in an instant. For gradual processes, use words like 'dandan' (だんだん).
Using it for a jagged or messy cut.
すぱっと implies a perfectly clean, straight cut.
Examples
Examples
糸をハサミですぱっと切る。
いとをハサミですぱっときる。
Cutting the thread cleanly with scissors.
VisualDescribes a neat and quick physical cut.
健康のために、タバコをすぱっとやめた。
けんこうのために、タバコをすぱっとやめた。
I quit smoking cold turkey for my health.
FigurativeShows that the habit was stopped instantly without hesitation.
気が進まない誘いは、すぱっと断るのが一番だ。
きがすすまないさそいは、すぱっとことわるのがいちばんだ。
It's best to flatly refuse invitations you don't want to go to.
FigurativeUsed to express a very clear refusal so there is no misunderstanding.
過去の失敗をすぱっと忘れて、新しくやり直す。
かこのしっぱいをすぱっとわすれて、あたらしくやりなおす。
To completely forget past failures and start over fresh.
FigurativeDescribes the act of severing mental attachments without lingering regrets.
刀で竹をすぱっと半分に割った。
かたなでたけをすぱっとはんぶんにわった。
Cleaving the bamboo neatly in half with a sword.
VisualShows the force and sharpness when splitting something.
Similar Words
ばっさり
bassari
Bassari describes the action of cutting something completely, cleanly, and without hesitation in a single swift motion. Used for drastic cuts or cutting in large amounts.
すっぱり
suppari
'Suppari' describes an action performed decisively, cleanly, and completely, without any hesitation. Very similar, mainly used for completely stopping a habit.
すっきり
sukkiri
Feeling refreshed, relieved, or appearing neat and clean without any lingering clutter.
Questions
Can I use すぱっと when cutting vegetables?
Yes, if you slice through them with a sharp knife producing a clean cut in a single motion.
What is the difference between すぱっと and すっぱり?
They are extremely similar, especially for 'quitting completely'. However, すぱっと has a slightly sharper, faster nuance.
Can this word be used to describe someone's personality?
Yes. The phrase 'supatto shita seikaku' describes someone who is decisive, makes quick choices, and doesn't hesitate.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2761170
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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