ぱっと

ぱっと
adverb
suddenly; in a flash; brightly
1. suddenly; in a flash; quickly
Describes something happening instantaneously.
電気(でんき)がぱっとついた。
The light suddenly came on.
ぱっと見(み)ただけで分(わ)かる。
You can tell just at a glance.
ぱっと見 = at a glance
2. brightly; flashily
Describes something becoming bright or standing out vividly.
花火(はなび)がぱっと開(ひら)いた。
The fireworks burst open brightly.

ぱっと is an onomatopoeia/mimetic word describing sudden, instantaneous actions or bright appearances.

SENSE 1 - SUDDENLY:

  • 電気(でんき)がぱっとついた: the light suddenly came on
  • ぱっと消(き)える: to disappear suddenly
  • ぱっと思(おも)い出(だ)す: to suddenly remember

SENSE 2 - BRIGHTLY:

  • 花火(はなび)がぱっと開(ひら)く: fireworks burst open
  • 顔(かお)がぱっと明(あか)るくなる: face suddenly brightens

KEY EXPRESSIONS:

  • ぱっと見(み): at a glance
  • ぱっとしない: not impressive, unremarkable, dull

SIMILAR ONOMATOPOEIA:

  • さっと: quickly, swiftly (smooth motion)
  • はっと: with a start (sudden realization/surprise)
  • ぱっと: suddenly, in a flash (instantaneous)
general
Added 2026.1.16 14:48 · Revised 2026.2.4 14:08
05000/05356_patto