はっと

adverb

with a start; suddenly (realizing)

descriptive

1. with a start; suddenly (realizing)

Describes the moment of sudden realization, surprise, or being startled.

はっと気(き)がついた。

I suddenly realized.

Common expression

大事(だいじ)なことをはっと思(おも)い出(だ)した。

I suddenly remembered something important.

はっとするような美(うつく)しさだった。

It was a breathtaking beauty.

はっとする = to be startled/struck

後(うし)ろから声(こえ)をかけられてはっとした。

I was startled when someone called out to me from behind.

寝坊(ねぼう)したことにはっと気(き)がついて、急(いそ)いで家(いえ)を出(で)た。

I suddenly realized I had overslept and hurried out of the house.

はっと describes the psychological moment of sudden realization, awareness, or being startled. It captures the instant "jolt" of recognition.

Common patterns

はっと気(き)がつく: to suddenly notice/realize
はっとする: to be startled, to have a sudden realization
はっと目(め)が覚(さ)める: to suddenly wake up (startled awake)
はっとさせられる: to be struck by (something that makes you realize)
はっと息(いき)をのむ: to gasp (in surprise)

Usage

Used for both pleasant surprises (sudden beauty) and alarming realizations (noticing danger). Always implies the reaction is instantaneous and involuntary.

Similar words

びっくり: surprised, startled (more about shock)
ぎくっと: startled with a jolt (often from guilt or fear)
ふと: casually, by chance (less intense)

Related Words

Compare: びっくり (surprised, startled)

Compare: ふと (casually, by chance)

Related: カウボーイハット (cowboy hat)

core

Added 2026.1.16 14:48 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

05000/05358_hatto