Translation guide
An interjection used to startle, scare, or express disapproval. In Japanese, the equivalent depends on the intent: startling someone, booing a performance, or expressing playful surprise.
You want to surprise someone by suddenly shouting to make them jump.
A sudden exclamation used to startle someone. It's short, sharp, and very common in everyday situations.
You want to show that you don't like a performance or speaker, like booing at a show.
The standard onomatopoeia for booing. It mimics the sound of a crowd jeering.
You are playing with a baby and want to make them laugh by suddenly appearing.
The classic Japanese peek-a-boo phrase. 'Inai inai' means 'not here, not here' and 'baa' is the reveal.
The English word 'boo' is not used in Japanese. Use the appropriate Japanese interjection based on context.
'Boo' is used when jeering.
後ろから「わっ」と言って驚かせた。
I said 'boo!' from behind and startled them.
Often used when playing peek-a-boo with babies, but can also be used to startle someone in a playful way.
Peek-a-boo!
観客がブーと叫んだ。
The audience shouted 'boo!'
The noun form meaning 'booing'. Used to describe the act of jeering.
There was booing at his speech.
The baby laughs when you play peek-a-boo.