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.
はっと気がついた。
I suddenly realized.
Common expression
大事なことをはっと思い出した。
I suddenly remembered something important.
はっとするような美しさだった。
It was a breathtaking beauty.
はっとする = to be startled/struck
後ろから声をかけられてはっとした。
I was startled when someone called out to me from behind.
寝坊したことにはっと気がついて、急いで家を出た。
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:
- はっと気がつく: to suddenly notice/realize
- はっとする: to be startled, to have a sudden realization
- はっと目が覚める: 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)