ばたばた

ばたばた
adverb
flapping; in a rush; hectic
1. flapping; fluttering
The sound or motion of something flapping repeatedly.
(とり)がばたばたと(はね)(うご)かした。
The bird flapped its wings.
2. in a rush; hectic; flustered
Being extremely busy and rushing around.
(あさ)はいつもばたばたしている。
Mornings are always hectic for me.
ばたばたして遅刻(ちこく)しそうになった。
I was in such a rush I almost was late.

ばたばた is an onomatopoeia that can represent both physical flapping sounds and the feeling of being rushed/busy.

COMMON PATTERNS:

  • ばたばたする: to be hectic, to rush around
  • ばたばた(はし)る: to run noisily
  • ばたばたと(たお)れる: to collapse one after another

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • ぱたぱた: lighter flapping sound
  • どたばた: noisy commotion, slapstick