Posted: 7th April 2022
Hello and welcome to the Ippo Ippo Japanese Word of the Week!
This week's word is...
バタバタ
Bata bata
What does it mean?
バタバタ (bata bata) has a few meanings, so we're going to focus on the most useful: hectic. For example:
- バタバタしている (bata bata shiteiru) - I'm hectic/things are hectic
- 最近はちょっとバタバタしている (saikin wa chotto bata bata shiteiru) - I'm a bit hectic lately/things are a bit hectic recently
- 仕事がバタバタしている (shigoto ga bata bata shiteiru) - work is hectic
Other meanings of バタバタ (bata bata) include a clattering noise or a commotion, so I always think of it meaning that you're rushing around, bashing into things and making a racket as you try and get to the next task!
Why use バタバタ (bata bata)?
If you've been learning Japanese for a while, you might start to feel like you're using the same kinds of words over and over. I certainly feel like that sometimes!
When you catch up with a friend or your Japanese teacher and they ask how you are, you might up till now have said "忙しいです" (isogashii desu) - I'm busy.
Now, with バタバタ (bata bata), you can mix things up!
バタバタ (bata bata) is a type of オノマトペ (onomatope) - onomatopoeia, of which there is *a lot* in Japanese. Using onomatope is a great way to add variety to your language and express your feelings better.
See if you can use バタバタ (bata bata) in conversation, a diary entry or social media post this week!
Top Tip: Other Words for "Busy"
Don't forget: both バタバタ (bata bata) and 忙しい (isogashii) can only be used to talk a person being busy. If you want to talk about a busy place, you can use:
- にぎやか (nigiyaka) - busy, bustling (e.g. a town or festival)
- 混んでいる (kondeiru) - busy, packed (e.g. a shop or train carriage)
You've reached the end of this post! I hope you enjoyed it.
For updates on posts like this sent straight to your inbox, sign up to my newsletter (sent no more than once a month):
Support Me on Ko-fi
If you've enjoyed this and would like to see more like it in future, please consider sending a donation - however small! - via Ko-fi. I don't include any affiliated links or ads on my website, so every little helps!
Please donate via the portal below or by going directly to the Ippo Ippo Japanese Ko-fi page.
