adverb, adverb taking the 'to' particle, noun or participle which takes 'suru'
floundering; struggling in water; nearly drowning
Describes a person or animal splashing and struggling to stay afloat, often with a sense of panic. Can be used literally for drowning or figuratively for being overwhelmed.
子どもがプールであっぷあっぷしている。
The child is floundering in the pool.
波にのまれてあっぷあっぷした。
I was swallowed by the waves and nearly drowned.
adverb, adverb taking the 'to' particle, noun or participle which takes 'suru'
struggling; overwhelmed; in deep trouble
Figurative extension: being swamped with work, debt, or problems, as if drowning. Often used with 仕事, 借金, or similar burdens.
仕事が多すぎてあっぷあっぷだ。
I'm drowning in too much work.
借金であっぷあっぷしている。
I'm struggling under a mountain of debt.