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(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)
core
Added 2026.1.16 14:48 · Revised 2026.6.6 4:07
05000/05358_hatto