- hatto with a start, in surprise; suddenly (realize, remember, etc.), all of a sudden; puffing (air), with a puff
Use in casual or narrative contexts to describe a sudden physical or mental reaction, like being startled or having a sudden realization.
彼女ははっと目を覚ました。
Kanojo wa hatto me o samashita.
She woke up with a start.
はっとして、忘れていた約束を思い出した。
Hatto shite, wasurete ita yakusoku o omoidashita.
Startled, I remembered the appointment I had forgotten.
⚖️ Commonly confused with 'hajimete' (first time), but 'hatto' describes a sudden reaction, not an initial occurrence.
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Found in a wide range of contexts. Useful for building reading and listening fluency.
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