also: はったと
adverb
suddenly (hit); with a slap
Describes a sudden, sharp physical impact or a slapping sound. Often used with verbs like 打つ, 叩く, or 当たる.
彼ははたと机を叩いた。
He suddenly slapped the desk.
ボールがはたと壁に当たった。
The ball hit the wall with a slap.
adverb
sharply (glance, glare); fiercely
Used for a sharp, piercing look or glare. Common with verbs like 見る, にらむ, or 振り返る.
彼女ははたと私をにらんだ。
She glared at me sharply.
彼ははたと振り返った。
He turned around sharply.
adverb
suddenly; all of a sudden; in a flash
Indicates a sudden realization, stop, or change in state. Often used with verbs like 気づく, 止まる, or 思い出す.
はたと気がつくと、外は暗くなっていた。
Suddenly I realized it had gotten dark outside.
彼ははたと立ち止まった。
He stopped suddenly.
adverb
Emphasizes a complete or thorough state, often with negative or extreme outcomes. Used with verbs like 忘れる, 困る, or 参る.
約束をはたと忘れていた。
I completely forgot about the appointment.
彼の返答にはたと困った。
I was utterly at a loss for his reply.
Rare kanji form; not commonly used.
The origin is uncertain; it is likely a mimetic word (擬態語) that phonetically captures the idea of a sudden, sharp action or realization.