言Japanese VocabularyOrganized by Part Of Speech

word

Meaning

No

Reading

Kanji

否Negate

Explanation

The Japanese interjection '否 (いや)' is a direct and somewhat informal way to say 'no'. It is often used in casual conversations to express disagreement, refusal, or to negate a statement. It can also convey a sense of hesitation or contradiction. For example: No, that's not true「いや、それは違う」(いや、それはちがう). No, I don't think so「いや、そうは思わない」(いや、そうはおもわない). In some contexts, it can also be used to express surprise or disbelief, such as 'No way!'「いや、まさか！」(いや、まさか！). This interjection is more commonly used in spoken language rather than formal writing.

Part Of Speech

interjection

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

431

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Um

Reading

Explanation

The Japanese interjection 'あの (ano)' is commonly used as a filler word, similar to 'um' or 'uh' in English. It is often used when the speaker is hesitating, thinking, or trying to get someone's attention politely. For example: Um, excuse me...「あの、すみません…」(あの、すみません). Um, what was it again?「あの、なんだっけ？」(あの、なんだっけ？). It can also be used to soften a request or question, making it sound less direct. This interjection is versatile and frequently used in casual and formal conversations alike.

Part Of Speech

interjection

Frequency

460

Composition

hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Yes

Reading

Explanation

The Japanese interjection 'はい (はい)' is a polite and formal way to say 'yes'. It is commonly used in various situations to affirm, agree, or acknowledge something. It can also be used to respond to a call or to indicate that one is listening. For example: Yes, I understand「はい、わかりました」(はい、わかりました). Yes, I am here「はい、ここにいます」(はい、ここにいます). It is important to note that 'はい' is more formal than other affirmative responses like 'うん' and is often used in professional or respectful settings.

Part Of Speech

interjection

Frequency

954

Composition

hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Oh

Reading

Explanation

The Japanese interjection 'あっ' (a-) is a short, sudden exclamation used to express surprise, realization, or a quick reaction to something unexpected. It is often used in casual conversation and can be paired with other expressions to convey different emotions. For example: Oh, I forgot!「あっ、忘れた！」(あっ、わすれた！). Oh, it's you!「あっ、あなただったの！」(あっ、あなただったの！). This interjection is typically brief and can be used in various situations where a quick reaction is needed.

Part Of Speech

interjection

Frequency

1063

Composition

hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Yes

Reading

Explanation

The Japanese interjection 'うん (un)' is a casual way to say 'yes'. It is commonly used in informal conversations among friends, family, or peers. This interjection is less formal than 'はい (hai)', which is used in polite or formal contexts. For example: Are you coming? Yes「来る？うん」(くる？うん). Do you like sushi? Yes「寿司好き？うん」(すしすき？うん). Note that 'うん' should be avoided in formal settings or when speaking to someone of higher status, as it may come across as too casual or disrespectful.

Part Of Speech

interjection

Frequency

1365

Composition

hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Yes

Reading

Explanation

The Japanese interjection 'ええ (ええ)' is a casual way to say 'yes' or to express agreement. It is often used in informal conversations and can convey a sense of affirmation or acknowledgment. For example: Yes, that's right「ええ、そうです」(ええ、そうです). Yes, I understand「ええ、わかります」(ええ、わかります). It is important to note that 'ええ' is less formal than 'はい (はい)' and is typically used among friends, family, or in casual settings. It can also be used to show that you are listening or to encourage the speaker to continue, similar to saying 'uh-huh' in English.

Part Of Speech

interjection

Frequency

1501

Composition

hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Come

Reading

Explanation

The Japanese interjection 'さあ (さあ)' is a versatile word often used to encourage someone to do something, to express hesitation, or to indicate uncertainty. It can be translated as 'come on,' 'well,' or 'let's see,' depending on the context. For example: Come on, let's go!「さあ、行きましょう！」(さあ、いきましょう！). Well, I'm not sure...「さあ、どうかな...」(さあ、どうかな...). It is also used to build anticipation or excitement, such as when starting something new or presenting something. For instance: Let's see, what's next?「さあ、次は何かな？」(さあ、つぎはなにかな？).

Part Of Speech

interjection

Frequency

1611

Composition

hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Thanks

Reading

Kanji

有Exist 難Difficult

Explanation

The Japanese interjection '有り難う (ありがとう)' is a common way to express gratitude, meaning 'thank you'. It is used in a wide range of situations to show appreciation, from casual to formal settings. The phrase can be modified to increase politeness, such as '有り難うございます (ありがとうございます)', which is more formal. Example sentences: Thank you for the gift「プレゼントを有り難う」(ぷれぜんとをありがとう). Thank you very much「どうも有り難うございます」(どうもありがとうございます). The term originates from the idea of something being rare or precious, hence deserving gratitude.

Part Of Speech

interjection

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

1753

Composition

kanji-hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

No

Reading

Explanation

The Japanese interjection 'いえ (いえ)' is a polite way to say 'no' or to negate something. It is often used in formal or polite conversations to gently disagree or correct someone. For example: No, that's not correct「いえ、違います」(いえ、ちがいます). No, I don't need help「いえ、大丈夫です」(いえ、だいじょうぶです). It is less direct than 'いいえ (いいえ)', which is also used to mean 'no', but 'いえ' carries a softer tone. This interjection is commonly used in situations where politeness is important, such as in customer service or when speaking to someone of higher status.

Part Of Speech

interjection

Frequency

3531

Composition

hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Hey

Reading

Explanation

The Japanese interjection 'ねえ (ねえ)' is commonly used to get someone's attention or to start a conversation. It is similar to saying 'hey' or 'excuse me' in English. This interjection is informal and is often used among friends or people of the same age group. For example: Hey, look at this!「ねえ、これ見て！」(ねえ、これみて！). Hey, can I ask you something?「ねえ、ちょっと聞いてもいい？」(ねえ、ちょっときいてもいい？). It can also be used to express surprise or to emphasize a point, depending on the tone of voice.

Part Of Speech

interjection

Frequency

3560

Composition

hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Wow

Reading

Explanation

The Japanese interjection 'へー (へー)' is used to express surprise, interest, or mild astonishment. It is often used in casual conversations when someone hears something new or unexpected. The tone and context can slightly alter its nuance, but it generally conveys a sense of 'Oh, really?' or 'Wow, I didn't know that.' For example: Wow, that's amazing!「へー、すごいね！」(へー、すごいね！). Oh, I didn't know that「へー、知らなかった」(へー、しらなかった). It's a versatile interjection that can be used in various situations to show that you are impressed or intrigued by what you've just heard.

Part Of Speech

interjection

Frequency

3768

Composition

hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Look

Reading

Explanation

The Japanese interjection 'ほら (hora)' is used to draw someone's attention to something, similar to saying 'look' or 'see' in English. It is often used when pointing out something obvious or when trying to get someone to notice something quickly. For example: Look, it's a bird!「ほら、鳥だよ！」(ほら、とりだよ！). See, I told you it would work「ほら、言った通りでしょ」(ほら、いったとおりでしょ). The nuance of 'ほら' can vary depending on tone and context, sometimes expressing urgency, excitement, or even mild frustration.

Part Of Speech

interjection

Frequency

3777

Composition

hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

No

Reading

Explanation

The Japanese interjection 'いいえ (いいえ)' is a polite way to say 'no'. It is commonly used in formal or polite situations to negate a statement or question. For example: No, that's not correct「いいえ、それは違います」(いいえ、それはちがいます). No, I don't need help「いいえ、助けはいりません」(いいえ、たすけはいりません). It is important to note that 'いいえ' is more formal than the casual 'いや' or 'ううん', which are also used to mean 'no' but in less formal contexts.

Part Of Speech

interjection

Frequency

4042

Composition

hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Alright

Reading

Explanation

The Japanese interjection 'よし (yoshi)' is a versatile expression often used to convey determination, approval, or readiness. It can mean 'alright,' 'okay,' 'good,' or 'let's do this,' depending on the context. It is commonly used to pump oneself up or to signal agreement. For example: Alright, let's go!「よし、行こう！」(よし、いこう！). Okay, I'll do it「よし、やるよ」(よし、やるよ). It can also be used to comfort someone, as in 'It's okay, don't worry'「よし、大丈夫だよ」(よし、だいじょうぶだよ). The tone and situation often dictate its exact meaning.

Part Of Speech

interjection

Frequency

4103

Composition

hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Sigh

Reading

Explanation

The Japanese interjection 'はー (はー)' is often used to express a sigh, typically conveying feelings such as relief, exhaustion, or resignation. It is a casual expression and is commonly used in spoken language. For example: a sigh of relief「はー、よかった」(はー、よかった). A sigh of tiredness「はー、つかれた」(はー、つかれた). This interjection can also be elongated (e.g., 'はーー') to emphasize the emotion being expressed.

Part Of Speech

interjection

Frequency

4177

Composition

hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Oh

Reading

Explanation

The Japanese interjection 'あら' is used to express mild surprise, curiosity, or realization. It is often used by women and can convey a range of emotions depending on the context and tone. For example: Oh, is that so?「あら、そうですか？」(あら、そうですか？). Oh, I didn't notice that「あら、気づきませんでした」(あら、きづきませんでした). The interjection is versatile and can be used in both casual and polite conversations, though it is more commonly heard in informal settings.

Part Of Speech

interjection

Frequency

4197

Composition

hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Hey

Reading

Explanation

The Japanese interjection 'おい (おい)' is a casual and informal way to get someone's attention, similar to saying 'hey' in English. It is commonly used among friends or peers, but can be considered rude or impolite if used with strangers or in formal situations. For example: Hey, wait!「おい、待て！」(おい、まて！). Hey, what are you doing?「おい、何してるの？」(おい、なにしてるの？). It is important to note that 'おい' is typically used by males, and females might use 'ねえ (ねえ)' instead in similar contexts.

Part Of Speech

interjection

Frequency

4307

Composition

hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Now

Reading

Explanation

The Japanese interjection 'いざ (iza)' is used to indicate a moment of action, decision, or readiness. It often conveys a sense of urgency or determination, similar to saying 'now' or 'let's go' in English. This word is commonly used in situations where someone is about to embark on a task, journey, or challenge. For example: Now, let's begin!「いざ、始めよう！」(いざ、はじめよう！). Let's go to the battlefield!「いざ、戦場へ！」(いざ、せんじょうへ！). It can also be used to express a call to action or to rally others, as in 'いざ、行こう！' (いざ、いこう！) (Now, let's go!).

Part Of Speech

interjection

Frequency

4340

Composition

hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

What

Reading

Explanation

The Japanese interjection 'えっ' (e-) is used to express surprise, disbelief, or confusion. It is often used in casual conversation when reacting to something unexpected or when seeking clarification. This interjection is highly context-dependent and can convey a range of emotions depending on tone and situation. For example: What? I didn't hear you「えっ？聞こえなかった」(えっ？きこえなかった). What? That can't be true「えっ？それは本当ですか？」(えっ？それはほんとうですか？). The interjection is typically followed by a question or a pause, as it invites further explanation or repetition from the speaker.

Part Of Speech

interjection

Frequency

4537

Composition

hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Wow

Reading

Explanation

The Japanese interjection 'ほー (ほー)' is an exclamation used to express surprise, admiration, or interest. It is often used when someone is impressed by something or learns something new. This interjection is informal and can be used in casual conversations. For example: Wow, that's amazing!「ほー、すごいね！」(ほー、すごいね！). Wow, I didn't know that!「ほー、知らなかった！」(ほー、しらなかった！). The tone and context in which 'ほー' is used can convey different levels of surprise or interest, making it a versatile expression in everyday Japanese.

Part Of Speech

interjection

Frequency

5065

Composition

hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Wow

Reading

Explanation

The Japanese interjection 'わー (わー)' is an exclamation used to express surprise, amazement, or excitement. It is often used in casual conversations and can be written in hiragana as 'わー' or with an elongated vowel as 'わあ'. This interjection is similar to the English 'wow' or 'whoa'. For example: Wow, that's amazing!「わー、すごい！」(わー、すごい！). Whoa, look at that!「わー、見て！」(わー、みて！). The tone and context in which 'わー' is used can convey different levels of surprise or enthusiasm.

Part Of Speech

interjection

Frequency

5267

Composition

hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Hey

Reading

Explanation

The Japanese interjection 'なあ (なあ)' is a casual expression often used to get someone's attention or to express a thought or feeling. It can be translated as 'hey' or 'I wonder' depending on the context. It is commonly used in informal conversations among friends or peers. For example: Hey, listen to this「なあ、これを聞いて」(なあ、これをきいて). I wonder if it will rain tomorrow「なあ、明日は雨が降るかな」(なあ、あしたはあめがふるかな). The tone and context in which 'なあ' is used can greatly affect its meaning, so it's important to pay attention to the speaker's intonation and the situation.

Part Of Speech

interjection

Frequency

5656

Composition

hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Oh

Reading

Explanation

The Japanese interjection 'おお (おお)' is used to express surprise, realization, or emphasis. It is similar to the English 'oh' or 'wow'. This interjection is often used in casual conversations to convey a strong reaction. For example: Oh, I see!「おお、なるほど！」(おお、なるほど！). Wow, that's amazing!「おお、すごい！」(おお、すごい！). The tone and context in which 'おお' is used can significantly affect its meaning, ranging from genuine surprise to sarcastic emphasis.

Part Of Speech

interjection

Frequency

6296

Composition

hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Hmm

Reading

Explanation

The Japanese interjection 'ふん' is a sound that expresses a variety of emotions or reactions, such as contemplation, skepticism, or mild interest. It is often used when someone is thinking about something or considering a response. For example: Hmm, I wonder what that means「ふん、それはどういう意味かな」(ふん、それはどういういみかな). Hmm, I'm not sure「ふん、よくわからない」(ふん、よくわからない). The nuance of 'ふん' can vary depending on the tone and context in which it is used, making it a versatile interjection in Japanese conversation.

Part Of Speech

interjection

Frequency

6380

Composition

hiragana

Handwriting

word

Meaning

Well

Reading

Explanation

The Japanese interjection 'まあ (まあ)' is a versatile word often used to express hesitation, surprise, or to soften a statement. It can be translated as 'well' or 'oh' in English, depending on the context. For example, when someone is surprised: Well, that’s unexpected!「まあ、それは意外だ！」(まあ、それはいがいだ！). It can also be used to calm someone down or to suggest taking things slowly: Well, let’s not rush「まあ、急がないで」(まあ、いそがないで). The tone and context in which 'まあ' is used can significantly affect its meaning, making it a nuanced and flexible expression in Japanese conversation.

Part Of Speech

interjection

Frequency

6407

Composition

hiragana

Handwriting