Translation guide
The English verb 'flit' describes light, quick, and often irregular movement. In Japanese, there is no single direct equivalent. The best choice depends on what is moving and the nuance: a small creature darting, a person moving restlessly, or an idea/expression flickering briefly.
Describe a small animal or insect moving in a quick, darting, or fluttering manner.
Literally 'fly around'. Used for birds, insects, or anything that flits about in the air. Emphasizes the active, darting movement.
Butterflies are flitting from flower to flower.
Describes small, quick, restless movements, often on the ground or a surface. Suitable for small animals like mice or birds hopping about.
A small bird is flitting about the garden.
Emphasizes a light, fluttering flight like a butterfly or a falling leaf. 'ひらひら' is an onomatopoeia for fluttering.
A moth is flitting around the light.
Describe a person moving restlessly or quickly between locations, often with a sense of aimlessness or busyness.
Describe something intangible like a smile, thought, or shadow appearing and disappearing quickly.
'ちらりと' means 'for a moment' or 'fleetingly'. Used for expressions or thoughts that briefly appear on someone's face or mind.
A smile flitted across her face.
'かすかに' means 'faintly'. Suitable for a very subtle, fleeting expression.
'よぎる' means 'to cross (one's mind)' or 'to flash through'. Used for thoughts or feelings that pass quickly.
A feeling of anxiety flitted through me.
English 'flit' covers a range of quick, light movements. Japanese uses different verbs and adverbs depending on the subject and context. Avoid trying to translate 'flit' directly with one word.
The kids are flitting about and can't settle down.
A look of confusion flitted across his face.