What does "バタバタする (batabata suru)" mean? Paraphrases, English, and business examples.

update date 2024/04/09

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Have you ever heard of バタバタする (batabata suru)?

バタバタ" is an onomatopoeic (onomatopoeic or mimetic word) used to describe a busy and hectic situation. It is especially used when you are in a rush for work or when you are being pressed for time for something.

In this article, we will explain in detail the meaning and usage of "バタバタする," which you frequently hear in business situations, paraphrases and analogies, and even English expressions. It also introduces example sentences for using "バタバタする" in actual business conversation, so please be sure to read to the end.

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What does "バタバタする (batabata suru)" mean?

The term "バタバタする" is used to describe a busy, hectic, or restless situation. Specifically, it will often refer to the following situations.

Work is in a state of flux and you are struggling to complete the task at hand.
Some problem or sudden change has occurred and you are busy dealing with it.
Working under a looming deadline and pressed for time

The onomatopoeia "バタバタ" is said to have originated in Kabuki, a traditional Japanese performing art. In kabuki, there are scenes in which characters run around the stage in a hurry, and "バタバタ" was used as onomatopoeia to describe the sound of their footsteps. From there, the word may have taken root in the modern business scene as a term to describe a hectic situation.

What is the English expression corresponding to "バタバタする"?

It may be difficult to express the Japanese onomatopoeia "バタバタする" as it is in English. However, there are several English expressions that can be used to convey the meaning of "busy" or "hectic" that "バタバタする" represents. For example, the following expressions would be representative.

be busy
- It means "busy," and is the simplest expression.
be swamped
- It means "busy" or "overflowing," and emphasizes a heavy workload.
be tied up
- It means "to have one's hands full (at work, etc.)," indicating that one is too busy to do anything else.
be hectic / have a hectic day
- It means "busy" or "hectic," especially in describing a packed daily schedule.

バタバタする (batabata suru)" Paraphrases and thesauruses

By rephrasing "バタバタする" or using analogies, you can broaden your range of expression. Choosing appropriate words according to the situation will lead to effective communication. Below are some paraphrases and thesauruses of "バタバタする".

be in a hurry
- It indicates that the person is in a hurry to do something. It gives the impression of being a little more restless than "バタバタする."
run around
- It represents doing something while physically moving. It will have more action nuances than "バタバタする."
slap around (e.g. a car)
- Like "バタバタする," it indicates a hectic situation, but with a slightly exaggerated appearance.
be worked to death
- It indicates a state of being busy with work, etc. It has a more passive nuance than "バタバタする.
in a hurry
- It indicates a restless and busy appearance. You may find it a bit more archaic than "バタバタする."

By using these paraphrases and analogies, the meaning of "バタバタする" can be expressed more richly. For example, one might paraphrase it as follows.

from morningバタバタI was doing it and forgot the material.
→ From the morningin feverish hasteI was doing it and forgot the material.

Salespeople are the ones who are in the customer's office.バタバタThe company is doing so.
→Salespeople are in the customer's office.Running around.I am here.

The end of the month is alwaysバタバタand overtime work is often required.
→ Always at the end of the month.slapstickand overtime work is often required.

Project deadline approaching,バタバタEvery day in the
→The deadline for the project is approaching,be worked to deathEvery day.

He is.バタバタand in and out of the room.
→ He is.in a hurryThey are in and out of rooms.

Try to choose the appropriate expression for the situation.

Usage and example sentences of "バタバタする (batabata suru)" in business situations

In business settings, the term "バタバタする" is often used to describe how busy you or others are. Below are some specific examples of its use.

Example sentence 1. he now seems to be バタバタ.

This example sentence conveys that someone is moving around busily. The use of "バタバタする" softens the meaning of "busy."

However, since "バタバタする" has a casual impression, it is best to avoid using it with superiors. For those to whom polite language is required, such as superiors and business partners, it is recommended to use more formal expressions such as "tatekomte iru" or "tatekomu.

For example, it could be phrased as follows

The director seems to be very busy at the moment and is unable to leave his seat.
With the workload this week, it may be difficult to take on new tasks.

Tatekomu" is a verb used in the sense of "too busy to spare time. It is a more emphatic expression of workload and time constraints than "バタバタする."

Example sentence 2. バタバタ I was late.

In this example, "バタバタする" is used as an excuse for being late for an appointment. By following "バタバタ" with the reason for the delay and an apology, you will be able to apologize for your rudeness while letting the other party know what happened.

However, since "バタバタする" is a casual expression, it is safer not to use it in formal situations. When you are late for a meeting with your boss or a business partner, for whom polite language is required, we recommend that you rephrase it as follows

I am very sorry. I have been delayed due to another project that I have been working on.
Our apologies. We were pressed for time to respond to an urgent matter, which is why it arrived so late.

In conversations with colleagues or subordinates who are usually close to you, there is no problem using "バタバタする" to casually inform them of your situation. However, it is wise to avoid using "バタバタする" to easily explain away tardiness or missed deadlines. It is important to explain the situation clearly and show how to prevent recurrence.

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summary

In this article, we have explained in detail the meaning and usage of the term "バタバタする," which is often used in business situations, as well as paraphrases, thesauruses, and English expressions.

バタバタする" is a casual way of describing a busy, hectic situation. It is often used when you are busy with work or when you are pressed for time for something. However, for superiors, it is appropriate to use a more formal expression.

As you all become accustomed to your work and are entrusted with various tasks by others, you may find yourself in a situation where you are "バタバタ". At such times, it is important to explain the situation to those around you and ask for their cooperation. Tell them, "I'm in バタバタ right now..." but also show that you are willing to work together to solve the problem.

In addition to "バタバタする," various other Japanese expressions are used in business situations. Please check the following article for other words related to business Japanese.