adverb, adverb taking the 'to' particle, noun or participle which takes 'suru'
flapping; rattling; fluttering
Describes the sound or motion of something light repeatedly hitting a surface, like wings, a flag, or loose objects.
旗が風でバタバタとはためいている。
The flag is flapping noisily in the wind.
adverb, adverb taking the 'to' particle, noun or participle which takes 'suru'
clattering; thrashing; floundering
Used for noisy, chaotic movement: running footsteps, something banging around, or a person/animal thrashing about.
子供たちが廊下をバタバタと走り回っている。
The children are running around noisily in the hallway.
魚が網の中でバタバタしている。
The fish is thrashing around in the net.
adverb, adverb taking the 'to' particle
one after another; in quick succession
Describes things falling, happening, or being dealt with rapidly and continuously, often with a sense of disorder.
注文がバタバタと入ってきた。
Orders came in one after another.
adverb, adverb taking the 'to' particle, noun or participle which takes 'suru'
Describes a state of being very busy, rushing around to get things done, often with a flustered or hectic feeling. Sense 5 (quickly/briskly) is a closely related nuance of moving or acting with speed.
朝はいつもバタバタしていて、ゆっくり朝食をとれない。
I'm always in a rush in the morning and can't have a leisurely breakfast.
引っ越しの準備でバタバタしている。
I'm busy rushing around with preparations for the move.
noun
motorcycle; three-wheeler truck
Colloquial, somewhat dated slang for a motorcycle or three-wheeled truck, from the clattering sound of the engine.
昔、バタバタで新聞を配達していた。
In the old days, I delivered newspapers on a motorcycle.