1.
to come to one's senses; to regain composure; to snap out of it
To return to a normal, rational state of mind after being absorbed, shocked, dazed, or emotionally overwhelmed. Literally 'to return to oneself.'
はっと我に返った。
I suddenly came to my senses.
Usage
A literary set expression meaning to return from a state of distraction, shock, or absorption to normal awareness. Often preceded by はっと (with a start) to emphasize the sudden return to reality.
Common collocations
- はっと我に返る (to suddenly snap back to reality)
- ふと我に返る (to casually come to one's senses)
- 我に返って〜する (to come to one's senses and do ~)