ざっと

• Reading: ざっと
• Romaji: zatto
• Pronunciation: /zat.to/

Meaning

Roughly; approximately; at a glance. Describes doing something quickly and without fine detail.

An adverb used in two main ways: for approximate numbers (ざっと百人, roughly a hundred people) and for quick, cursory actions (ざっと目を通す, to skim through). Conveys a casual, efficient approach rather than precision. Always written in hiragana. Can also describe the sound of rushing water, though this use is less common.

Examples

1. ざっと見積もって十万円くらいかかる。 A rough estimate puts it at around 100,000 yen.
2. 書類にざっと目を通してから会議に出た。 I skimmed through the documents before going to the meeting.
3. 参加者はざっと五十人くらいだった。 There were roughly fifty participants.

Usage Guide

Context: estimates, reading, business

Tone: casual

Origin & History

A Japanese mimetic word (擬態語) that evokes the feeling of something sweeping by quickly or splashing roughly. The voiced ざ sound suggests casual, unrefined motion.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal