はっと

はっと
adverb
with a start; suddenly (realizing)
1. with a start; suddenly (realizing)
Describes the moment of sudden realization, surprise, or being startled.
はっと()がついた。
I suddenly realized.
Common expression
大事(だいじ)なことをはっと(おも)()した。
I suddenly remembered something important.
はっとするような(うつく)しさだった。
It was a breathtaking beauty.
はっとする = to be startled/struck

はっと describes the psychological moment of sudden awareness or being startled.

COMMON PATTERNS:

  • はっと()がつく: to suddenly realize
  • はっとする: to be startled, to be struck
  • はっと()()める: to wake up with a start

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • ぱっと: suddenly (more physical/visual)
  • ふと: suddenly, casually (gentler realization)