This is the 5806th most frequent Japanese word.
はばたく
"はばたく" means "to flap (wings)."
Used literally to describe the physical motion of birds flapping their wings.
鳥が大空に向かってはばたいた。
The bird flapped its wings towards the vast sky.
Metaphorically representing emerging or gaining recognition, like spreading one's wings.
彼の才能がついにはばたくときを迎えた。
His talent has finally reached the moment to shine.
Expressing aspiration or striving toward a goal, like figuratively flapping wings.