Entry
ざっと
zatto
Zatto means to do something quickly and superficially or indicates a rough estimate without fine details.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
Zatto is an adverb used when an action is performed swiftly without deep attention to detail, such as skimming a document or doing a quick clean-up. It is also frequently used to give a rough estimate or approximation of numbers, costs, or time.
- Doing an action quickly and superficially
- Giving a rough numerical estimate
Sense Map
Quickly and superficially
Used when performing an action swiftly without focusing on minor details, like skimming a text or doing a quick wash.
書類にざっと目を通す。
Roughly or approximately
Used when calculating or estimating a number or amount without being precise.
ざっと計算してみる。
Usage Note
How to Use
ざっと + verb
Placed before a verb to show that the action is done quickly and superficially without worrying about details.
ざっと + number/amount
Placed before a quantity to indicate that it is a rough guess or approximation.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ざっと目を通す
skim through
ざっと計算する
calculate roughly
ざっと見積もる
estimate roughly
ざっと説明する
explain briefly
ざっと見る
take a quick look
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Skimming texts | neutral | Extremely common when reading documents, reports, or newspapers quickly to grasp the gist without reading every word. |
| Estimating quantities | neutral | Used to give a ballpark figure for prices, headcount, or time. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ざっくり ざっくり / similar | ざっくり is used for big, rough cuts or actions, and has gained modern popularity to mean explaining or estimating the main points without fine details. | ざっと focuses more on the speed and superficiality of going through something (like skimming), whereas ざっくり focuses on the lack of fine granulation, giving a broad summary. | ざっくりした説明 |
ささっと ささっと / similar | ささっと is used purely for doing an action nimbly, lightly, and quickly, like washing dishes or finishing a task fast. | ささっと cannot be used for estimating numbers or quantities. It only describes the agile speed of an action, whereas ざっと means doing it generally or superficially. | ささっと掃除する |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using 'ざっと' when you mean doing something perfectly and fast.
'ざっと' implies superficiality or lack of detail. If you want to say you did something efficiently and well, use '手早く' or 'すばやく'.
Using 'ざっと' for exact numbers.
'ざっと' means approximately. Do not pair it with exact modifiers. Instead of 'ざっとちょうど500人', say 'ざっと500人' (roughly 500 people).
Examples
Examples
企画書にざっと目を通した。
きかくしょにざっとめをとおした。
I briefly skimmed through the proposal.
Figurative"目を通す" (me o toosu) combined with "ざっと" is a very common idiom meaning 'to skim through'.
参加者はざっと50人くらいだろう。
さんかしゃはざっとごじゅうにんくらいだろう。
There are roughly 50 participants.
LiteralUsed here to provide a rough estimate without counting one by one.
部屋をざっと掃除しておく。
へやをざっとそうじしておく。
I will do a quick clean of the room.
VisualIndicates cleaning the main areas quickly rather than deep cleaning.
被害額はざっと見積もって百万円だ。
ひがいがくはざっとみつもってひゃくまんえんだ。
The damage is roughly estimated to be one million yen.
Figurative"ざっと見積もる" (zatto mitsumoru) is a fixed phrase for 'rough estimation'.
会議の内容をざっと説明する。
かいぎのないようをざっとせつめいする。
I will briefly explain the contents of the meeting.
FigurativeUsed when summarizing the main points without going into deep detail.
Similar Words
ささっと
sasatto
Used for quick and nimble physical actions.
Questions
Can I use ざっと in formal business contexts?
It is acceptable in standard business conversations when telling a colleague you will skim a document, but in highly formal writing, words like '大まかに' or '概算で' might be preferred.
What is the difference between ざっと and 約 (yaku)?
'約' is a formal prefix meaning 'approximately' placed directly before numbers. 'ざっと' is an adverb that means 'roughly' and carries a sense of making a quick mental calculation.
Does ざっと mean to be careless?
Not necessarily careless, just prioritizing speed and general overview over meticulous detail.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1005390
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
- Previous entry
- ザクザク (zakuzaku)
- Next entry
- ザラザラ (zarazara)