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.
鳥がばたばたと羽を動かした。
The bird flapped its wings.
旗がばたばたと音を立てている。
The flag is flapping noisily.
子供がばたばた走り回っている。
The children are running around noisily.
2.
in a rush; hectic; flustered
Being extremely busy and rushing around.
朝はいつもばたばたしている。
Mornings are always hectic for me.
ばたばたして遅刻しそうになった。
I was in such a rush I almost was late.
年末はばたばたしていて、ゆっくり話す時間がなかった。
Things were so hectic at the end of the year that I didn't have time to talk properly.
ばたばた is a mimetic word (擬態語/擬音語) with two distinct uses: a physical flapping/clattering sound, and the feeling of being frantically busy.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- ばたばたする: to be hectic, to rush around (sense 2)
- ばたばたと羽を動かす: to flap wings (sense 1)
- ばたばた走る: to run around noisily
- ばたばたと倒れる: to collapse one after another
USAGE:
In everyday conversation, sense 2 (hectic/rushed) is extremely common. ばたばたしている is a natural way to say "I've been really busy" or "things have been hectic."
SIMILAR WORDS:
- ぱたぱた: lighter, gentler flapping sound (voiceless = softer)
- どたばた: noisier commotion, slapstick (heavier footsteps)
- ぐちゃぐちゃ: describes a wet or squishy mess (not sound-based)