adverb, adverb taking the 'to' particle, noun or participle which takes 'suru'
noisily; with heavy footsteps; clatteringly
Describes the sound and motion of running around heavily or noisily, often with a sense of chaotic movement.
子どもたちが廊下をどたばた走り回っている。
The children are running around noisily in the hallway.
上の階で誰かがどたばたしている。
Someone is making a clattering noise upstairs.
adverb, adverb taking the 'to' particle, noun or participle which takes 'suru'
in a fluster; in a panic; in a flurry
Describes a state of hurried, confused activity, often due to panic or disorganization.
出発の準備でどたばたして、パスポートを忘れた。
I was in such a fluster getting ready to leave that I forgot my passport.
締め切り前はいつもどたばたする。
It's always a panic before the deadline.
noun
Abbreviation of ドタバタ喜劇, referring to slapstick comedy. Used as a noun.
See also: ドタバタ喜劇
この映画は典型的なドタバタだ。
This movie is typical slapstick.