adverb taking the 'to' particle, adverb
lapping; splashing gently
Onomatopoeic for water or waves lightly hitting a surface, often with a rhythmic, repetitive sound.
波が岸にひたひたと打ち寄せている。
The waves are lapping gently against the shore.
adverb taking the 'to' particle, adverb
Describes something advancing or approaching little by little, often with a sense of quiet persistence. Commonly used with verbs like 迫る or 進む.
締め切りがひたひたと迫っている。
The deadline is steadily approaching.
noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no', na-adjective
just enough to cover; barely submerged
Indicates that the amount of liquid is exactly sufficient to cover something, often used in cooking or describing water level. Frequently appears as ひたひたに.
鍋にひたひたの水を入れてください。
Please add just enough water to cover the ingredients in the pot.
adverb taking the 'to' particle, adverb
speedily; promptly; closely; exactly
Archaic senses: 'speedily/promptly' and 'closely/exactly'. Not used in modern Japanese outside of classical texts.
古文では「ひたひたと」が「すばやく」や「ぴったりと」の意味で使われることがある。
In classical Japanese, ひたひたと can mean 'quickly' or 'closely'.
Mimetic word derived from the sound of water lapping or something gradually advancing. The exact historical derivation is uncertain.