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.
The bird flapped its wings and took off.
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.
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.
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.
The flag is flapping in the wind.
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.
He flapped his arms in a panic.
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.
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.
I heard the flapping sound of a bird's wings.
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 curtain was flapping out the window.
The hem of my shirt is flapping in the wind.
The tent fabric is flapping noisily.
The cloak flapped in the wind.
The flag is making a flapping sound.
小鳥がパタパタと飛んでいった。
The small bird flew away with a light flapping sound.