What does the Japanese phrase "パッとしない (pattoshinai)" mean? Paraphrases and English expressions are introduced.
Have you ever heard of the Japanese phrase "パッとしない (pattoshinai)?" Japanese people often use this term sensibly in daily conversation and in business situations, etc. パッとしない is an expression that is difficult to understand at first glance, but if you can master its use, you will be able to demonstrate your Japanese language skills.
In this article, we will explain in detail the meaning of パッとしない, synonyms, paraphrases, and English expressions. In addition, we will also introduce how to use it in business situations and points to note with example sentences.
▼Goandup Picks Click here for recommended articles!
- Required before studying abroad! Goandup Nihongo+, an online Japanese language learning service
- This page introduces services for foreigners who wish to study in Japan or improve their Japanese language skills to learn Japanese online.
- Goandup Salon" community for foreigners living in Japan
- We introduce an online community where foreigners living in Japan can exchange information and interact with each other to support their life in Japan.
- Goandup Study" supports foreigners who want to study in Japan.
- This section introduces study abroad support services that provide comprehensive support to foreigners who wish to study in Japan, from preparation for study abroad to living in Japan.
- Where can I buy a prepaid SIM in Japan? Recommended SIM cards for foreigners are also introduced.
- How to purchase a prepaid SIM and suitable SIM cards for foreigners.
- The Complete Guide to Pocket Wi-Fi in Japan for Foreigners!
- We introduce how to select and recommend pocket Wi-Fi products that can be used conveniently in Japan.
- The Complete Guide to Finding a Job in Japan! Finding a job, changing jobs, and part-time work for foreigners
- This site provides foreigners who want to work in Japan with comprehensive information on how to find a job, recommended job sites, and other information necessary to find a job.
Meaning of "パッとしない (pattoshinai)" and its English expression
The term パッとしない is formed by combining "パッと (patto)" and "しない (shinai)". In other words, it is the negative form of the expression "poof.
Let's check the meaning of "poof" here.
- The state of spreading in a flash. Or, the state of spreading.
- The appearance of a quick action. Or, the way things happen instantaneously.
- The appearance is loud and conspicuous.
The "poof" in パッとしない represents the third meaning, i.e., "a flashy and conspicuous appearance. By adding "not" to it, the nuance becomes "flashy and inconspicuous" or "lacking in impact. It can also mean that things are not moving in the right direction.
To describe パッとしない in English, words such as "mediocre" (mediocre), "lackluster" (boring, lack luster), "unimpressive " (unimpressive), and so on may come close. However, it is difficult to describe the subtle nuances unique to the Japanese language in a single word.
パッとしない (pattoshinai)" Synonyms and Paraphrases
Words that have a similar meaning to パッとしない include
- one more (not quite)
- Ordinary
- lacking character
- compare unfavorably (unfavourably, poorly) with
- not amounting to much
It is good to use these expressions according to context.
How to use "パッとしない (pattoshinai)" in business situations, examples
How is パッとしない used in a business setting? Take a look at the following examples.
Usage and example sentences of "パッとしない (pattoshinai)" in business situations (1)
When giving an honest opinion to a colleague
I'm thinking, "This proposal isn't bad in content, but there's something パッとしない about it. Maybe we need to work on it."
In this example, you are expressing your honest opinion about the content of a proposal to a colleague. By using "パッとしない," the writer is euphemistically expressing that the content of the proposal is lacking, while suggesting the need for improvement.
Usage and example sentences of "パッとしない (pattoshinai)" in business situations (2)
When discussing current issues with your supervisor
'I can honestly say that our recent sales growth has been パッとしない. We need to come up with a way to break through."
In this example, you are discussing with your boss about the current sales growth difficulties. By using "パッとしない," you are expressing in a roundabout way that the sales situation is not good. The use of "パッとしない" is a roundabout way of expressing that the sales situation is not good and that the boss needs to think of a way out of the situation.
If you can use "パッとしない" in the right place at the right time, you will give the impression that you speak natural Japanese like a native speaker.
パッとしない (pattoshinai)" Business Notes
However, "パッとしない" is a casual and casual phrase and should be used with caution.
Avoid using it casually with a superior person in business, such as a business partner or a person you are meeting for the first time. It may give a rude impression or be considered frivolous. When using it with your superiors, limit it to your own responsibilities and be very careful in your use of the word.
It is recommended to use it casually in a frank relationship with a close colleague or subordinate. The key is to use it moderately often.
Serious employment support to help you realize your dream of working in Japan!
Do you want to work in Japan?
Let us "Goandup" make that dream a reality!
【 Program Features 】
✅ JLPT N3 level Japanese language acquisition
✅ Thorough preparation for the specific skills test
✅ Full support for job hunting in Japan
Business-focused one-on-one lessons will help you find a job in Japan in the shortest possible time.
【 Program Menu 】
- Individual Japanese language lessons
- Intensive curriculum to obtain N3, especially specialized lessons for business Japanese that can be used at work.
- Intensive curriculum to obtain N3, especially specialized lessons for business Japanese that can be used at work.
- Preparation for the Specific Skills Test
- Customized materials for specific skill tests will be used to focus on frequently asked questions and learning to pass the test.
- Customized materials for specific skill tests will be used to focus on frequently asked questions and learning to pass the test.
- Resume and CV support
- To create resumes and CVs tailored to Japanese corporate culture, and to brush up on self-promotion and motivation for application.
- To create resumes and CVs tailored to Japanese corporate culture, and to brush up on self-promotion and motivation for application.
- Interview Preparation
- Guidance on areas for improvement through mock interviews and feedback based on corporate interview scenarios. Learn interview etiquette and behavior unique to Japan.
- Guidance on areas for improvement through mock interviews and feedback based on corporate interview scenarios. Learn interview etiquette and behavior unique to Japan.
- career consulting
- Provide introductions to companies that match the participant's career goals, select companies to apply to, and provide advice on the level of knowledge required by the companies to which the participant is applying.
- Provide introductions to companies that match the participant's career goals, select companies to apply to, and provide advice on the level of knowledge required by the companies to which the participant is applying.
- Chat Support
- In addition to one-on-one individual lessons, we also accept casual questions via DM (visa application, living support, assistance in finding a room, etc.).
If you are serious about your career in Japan, join us now!
▶︎ for more informationclick here.
We will do our best to support your success in Japan!
summary
Now that you have a better understanding of "パッとしない (pattoshinai)", let's review it.
- パッとしない" means "flashy, inconspicuous, lacking in impact."
- "mediocre" and "unimpressive" in English are close expressions, but note the difference in nuance
- There are plenty of paraphrases, such as "not quite there," "mediocre," etc.
- In business situations, it is important to consider the relationship with the other party
- Be careful how often you use this expression, as it is a casual expression.
How was it? While "パッとしない" is a useful phrase, it is also an expression that requires a little trick to use. We would like to use it well depending on the situation.
We hope this article will help you improve your Japanese communication skills for business. We hope you will find it useful.
Your support will help us!
Thank you for visiting Goandup Picks. Our mission is to provide you with more useful information to show the world what Japan has to offer.
Your support will help us to further enhance our activities, so please support us!
