ドタバタ

Alternative writings: どたばた
Frequency:
1

Noisily moving about with heavy or hurried feet; involving loud, bustling activity.

AdverbAdverb Taking 'と'Irregular VerbOnomatopoeic or Mimetic Word

Examples

廊下でドタバタと子どもたちが走り回っている。

Children are rushing up and down the hallway with loud thumping.

引っ越しの日は荷物をドタバタ運んで疲れた。

On moving day we hauled boxes around noisily and got exhausted.

台所からドタバタという足音と笑い声が聞こえた。

I heard thumping footsteps and laughter coming from the kitchen.

2

In a fluster or a frenzy; acting in a hurried, chaotic manner.

AdverbAdverb Taking 'と'Irregular VerbOnomatopoeic or Mimetic Word

Examples

朝はいつもドタバタしていて、ゆっくり朝ごはんを食べる時間がない。

Mornings are always chaotic, and I don't have time to eat breakfast leisurely.

出発直前までドタバタで、忘れ物をしてしまった。

It was hectic up until right before departure, and I ended up forgetting something.

ドタバタ準備して駅に向かったが、電車を一本逃してしまった。

I hurriedly prepared and headed to the station, but missed a train.

3

A slapstick-style comedy; noisy, chaotic farce (used as a noun, e.g., 'slapstick comedy').

NounAbbreviation

Examples

その映画は典型的なドタバタ喜劇で、ずっと笑いっぱなしだった。

That movie was a typical slapstick comedy, and I laughed the whole time.

舞台はドタバタ劇で、登場人物が次々と騒動を起こす。

The play is a farce in which characters repeatedly cause commotion.