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
ぱっと手(て)を離(はな)した。
I let go quickly.
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.
顔(かお)がぱっと明(あか)るくなった。
Her face suddenly brightened up.
ぱっとしない天気(てんき)が続(つづ)いている。
The gloomy weather continues.
ぱっとしない = unimpressive, dreary

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

SENSE 1 - SUDDENLY:

SENSE 2 - BRIGHTLY:

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)

Related Words

Synonym: さっと (quickly (smooth))
Related: はっと (with a start)
general
Added 2026.1.16 14:48 · Revised 2026.6.6 4:07
05000/05356_patto