あたふた
あたふた
adverb
in a fluster; hurriedly; frantically
1.
in a fluster; hurriedly; in a panic
An onomatopoeic adverb describing a state of flustered, panicky movement, rushing about without composure.
あたふたと準備する。
To prepare in a fluster.
電車の時間に遅れそうで、あたふた走った。
I was about to miss the train, so I ran about frantically.
急な来客に、母はあたふたと部屋を片付け始めた。
Caught off guard by unexpected guests, my mother frantically started tidying up the room.
An onomatopoeic adverb (オノマトペ) conveying the image of someone rushing around in a flustered, disorganized manner. Often used with the particle と.
USAGE:
- あたふたする (to be in a fluster — used as a suru verb)
- あたふたと (in a fluster — used as an adverb modifying a verb)
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- あたふたと逃げる (flee in a panic)
- あたふたと支度する (get ready in a rush)
- あたふたと走り回る (run around frantically)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- おろおろ — being at a loss, confused and helpless (less action-oriented, more standing in bewilderment)
- ばたばた — rushing about busily (can be neutral busy-ness, not necessarily panicked)
- そわそわ — restlessly, fidgeting (anxiety-based rather than action-based)
- 大慌て — great panic (noun describing the same state)