adverb, noun or participle which takes 'suru'
Describes a sudden, brief reaction to something unexpected, often involving a gasp or a jolt of awareness. Commonly used with verbs like する and 気づく.
大きな音にはっとして目が覚めた。
I woke up with a start at the loud noise.
彼女の言葉にはっとした。
I was taken aback by her words.
adverb
suddenly realize; all of a sudden
Used when a thought, memory, or understanding strikes suddenly. Often paired with 気づく or 思い出す.
はっと気づくと、もう外は暗くなっていた。
I suddenly realized it was already dark outside.
約束を忘れていたことをはっと思い出した。
I suddenly remembered I had forgotten the appointment.
adverb
with a puff; puffing
Mimetic for a short, sharp exhalation or puff of air, such as when blowing out a candle or sighing in relief.
彼ははっと息を吹きかけてろうそくを消した。
He blew out the candle with a puff.
adverb
suddenly (movement); showy (archaic)
Sense 4 is obsolete for a sudden movement or change. Sense 5 is archaic, meaning standing out or being gaudy. Both are rarely encountered in modern Japanese.
古文では「はっと」が派手な様子を表すことがある。
In classical texts, はっと can describe something showy or gaudy.