さっと
Meanings
1
usually written using kana alone
Describes doing something quickly and lightly, often with a sense of briskness or without hesitation. Common with actions like standing up, writing, cleaning, or moving.
He quickly stood up.
I jotted down a note quickly.
2
usually written using kana alone
Used for natural phenomena that happen suddenly and pass quickly, such as a gust of wind, a brief shower, or a fleeting thought.
A gust of wind suddenly blew through.
It rained briefly and then stopped right away.
Usage patterns
- さっと〈動詞〉to do something quickly and lightly
He stood up quickly and left the room.
- さっと目を通すto glance over something quickly
I quickly glanced over the documents before going into the meeting.
- さっと雨が降るa brief, sudden shower falls
A brief shower fell in the afternoon, but it stopped soon after.
- さっと風が吹くa sudden gust of wind blows
A gust of wind suddenly blew and my hat was blown off.