Ever felt like you were running around in a hurry, things falling, doors slamming, feet stomping?
Or heard a flag wildly flapping in the wind?
That’s when the Japanese onomatopoeia “Bata Bata” comes in — a sound full of movement, noise, and energy.
What is “Bata Bata”?
“Bata Bata” (ばたばた) is a Japanese onomatopoeia that represents:
- A flapping sound — like a flag, cloth, or wings in the wind
- Rushed or hectic movement — like people running around preparing for something
- Chaotic activity — like noisy footsteps, busy scenes, or sudden clattering
It’s used to describe both physical sounds and the feeling of busyness.
Pronunciation
bah-tah bah-tah
(Say it quickly and with a bouncy rhythm — like footsteps!)
Categories
Sound / Movement / Atmosphere
Examples in Daily Life
Example 1: Morning rush before work
Everyone was running late.
Doors opened and closed.
Footsteps echoed through the house.
Bata bata bata bata!
Example 2: A sailboat in the wind
The wind picked up.
The sail flapped loudly — bata bata bata!
The crew rushed to tighten the ropes.
Cultural Note
In English, we’d say:
- “He was rushing around”
- “The flag was flapping”
- “It was noisy and chaotic”
But Japanese wraps that all up in one rhythm: “Bata Bata.”
It’s a favorite in manga and anime to show someone in a panic, flustered, or dashing about —
and it can also describe sounds like fluttering cloth, bird wings, or chaotic movement in a storm.
Sometimes, you’ll even hear someone say:
“Kyou wa bata bata shiteita.”
→ “Today was so hectic.”
So you can also say:
Today was so bata bata!”
How Do You Say It?
Say it like you’re rushing down a hallway:
Bata bata!
Say it like wind slapping a curtain:
Bata bata bata…
Say it when your whole day felt like a blur:
Bata bata shita naa…
What Does “Bata Bata” Look Like?
It looks like scattered footsteps.
Like sound lines around a waving flag.
Like paper flying off a desk in a rush.
Watch & Feel the “Bata Bata” World!
Feel the “Bata Bata” — Chaos in a Train Station
Experience the feeling of “Bata Bata”.
The world is noisy, restless, and rushing.
Try Using It!
When you’re running late and spilling coffee…
When your papers fly off your desk…
When your house feels like a storm of activity…
Say it out loud (or in your heart):
Bata Bata…
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If you’re curious about what kind of onomatopoeia fits a certain scene or feeling, feel free to make a request!
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