Translation guide
Describes the rapid back-and-forth motion of wings, objects, or loose material. Japanese uses different verbs depending on what is flapping and the nature of the movement.
Express the action of a bird or insect moving its wings up and down rapidly, especially when flying or hovering.
The standard verb for a bird or insect flapping its wings. Implies the wings are spread and moved vigorously, often for flight.
鳥が羽ばたいて飛び立った。
The bird flapped its wings and took off.
蝶が静かに羽ばたいている。
The butterfly is gently flapping its wings.
Describes a bird flapping its wings noisily or in a panicked manner, often while on the ground or in a confined space.
鶏が羽をばたつかせて逃げた。
The chicken flapped its wings and ran away.
Literary or poetic variant of 羽ばたく, using a different kanji for 'beat'. Rare in everyday use.
白鳥が水面で羽搏いた。
The swan flapped its wings on the water's surface.
Describe something like a flag, curtain, or piece of clothing moving back and forth in the wind.
Used for flags, curtains, or sails flapping or fluttering in the wind. Emphasizes the visual and audible effect of wind catching fabric.
旗が風にはためいている。
The flag is flapping in the wind.
カーテンが窓からはためいていた。
The curtain was flapping out the window.
Describes something flapping noisily or irregularly, often with a slapping sound. Common for loose clothing, a loose sail, or a door banging in the wind.
Describes something like a flag or cape flipping or turning over suddenly in the wind. More dramatic and literary than はためく.
Describe a person moving their arms or hands up and down rapidly, often in a panicked or silly way.
Used for flapping arms or hands in a panicked, excited, or uncontrolled manner. Often implies a sense of flailing.
彼は慌てて腕をばたばたさせた。
He flapped his arms in a panic.
子供が喜んで手をばたばたさせている。
The child is flapping their hands with joy.
Similar to ばたばたさせる, but often implies a more forceful or noisy flapping, like flapping wings.
彼は腕を翼のようにばたつかせた。
He flapped his arms like wings.
Refer to the sound produced by flapping wings or loose material.
Onomatopoeia for the sound of flapping wings, loose fabric, or something banging repeatedly. Can also describe the action itself.
鳥の羽音がバタバタと聞こえた。
I heard the flapping sound of a bird's wings.
旗がバタバタと音を立てている。
The flag is making a flapping sound.
Onomatopoeia for a lighter, softer flapping sound, like a small bird's wings or a piece of paper fluttering.
はためく describes a graceful, rhythmic flapping in the wind, often for flags or curtains. ばたつく implies a more irregular, noisy flapping, often with a slapping sound, and can be used for loose clothing or a door banging in the wind.
There is no single Japanese verb that covers all uses of 'flapping'. Using a generic verb like 動かす (to move) will sound unnatural. Choose the specific verb that matches the subject and type of movement.
The hem of my shirt is flapping in the wind.
テントの布がばたついてうるさい。
The tent fabric is flapping noisily.
マントが風に翻った。
The cloak flapped in the wind.
小鳥がパタパタと飛んでいった。
The small bird flew away with a light flapping sound.