どたばた

どたばた
adverb, suru verb, noun
noisily; chaotically; slapstick
1. noisily; chaotically
Describes noisy, chaotic movement or commotion, like running around noisily or creating a ruckus.
子供(こども)たちがどたばた(はし)(まわ)っている。
The children are running around noisily.
出発(しゅっぱつ)(まえ)にどたばたして(わす)(もの)をしてしまった。
I was in such a rush before departure that I forgot things.
2. slapstick comedy
A type of physical comedy characterized by exaggerated, chaotic action and pratfalls.
このドラマはどたばたコメディで面白(おもしろ)い。
This drama is a slapstick comedy and it's funny.

どたばた combines どた (heavy thudding) and ばた (flapping/clattering) to describe chaotic, noisy movement. It can describe actual noise or a general sense of chaos and rush.

RELATED EXPRESSIONS:

  • ばたばた: busy/hectic (less noisy than どたばた)
  • がさがさ: rustling/rummaging
  • ばたん: a single loud thud

COMMON PATTERNS:

  • どたばた(はし)る: to run around noisily
  • どたばたする: to be in a chaotic rush
  • どたばたコメディ: slapstick comedy

CULTURAL NOTE:
どたばたコメディ refers to the slapstick genre made famous by classic comedians and anime. It features exaggerated physical humor and chaotic situations.

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