ばったり

• Reading: ばったり
• Romaji: battari
• Pronunciation: /ba.t.ta.ɾi/

Meaning

By chance; unexpectedly; with a thud. Describes a chance encounter or sudden collapse.

An onomatopoeic adverb with two main uses: (1) meeting someone unexpectedly — ばったり会う (run into someone by chance), and (2) collapsing or falling suddenly — ばったり倒れる (collapse with a thud). Can also describe something abruptly stopping — 連絡がばったり途絶えた (contact suddenly ceased). The sound evokes the abruptness and surprise of the event.

Examples

1. 駅前で高校時代の友人にばったり会った。 I ran into a friend from high school in front of the station.
2. 疲れすぎて家に着いたらばったり倒れた。 I was so exhausted that I collapsed as soon as I got home.
3. 引っ越してから彼との連絡がばったり途絶えた。 After he moved, we completely lost touch.

Usage Guide

Context: narrative, conversation, anecdotes

Tone: surprised

Origin & History

A Japanese mimetic word (擬態語) representing something falling flat or occurring abruptly. The sharp ばっ sound conveys sudden impact, while たり adds the sense of completion.

Cultural Context

Era: Edo period

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal