Translation guide
An interjection used to express mild reproach, disbelief, encouragement, or to draw attention. In Japanese, the appropriate expression depends heavily on the speaker's intent, relationship, and context.
Expressing gentle scolding, disbelief, or urging someone to be reasonable, similar to 'come on' or 'oh, come now'.
A common, gentle way to calm someone down or express mild reproach. Often used to soothe or to say 'now, now'.
まあまあ、そんなに怒らないで。
Come now, don't be so angry.
Casual, often used among friends or in informal situations to express surprise or mild reproach. Can sound a bit rough.
おいおい、冗談だろ？
Come now, you're joking, right?
Literally 'a little', but used as an interjection to express mild objection or to call someone out. Can be used to say 'hey, come on'.
ちょっと、それひどくない？
Come now, isn't that a bit harsh?
Encouraging someone to do something or to hurry up, similar to 'come on' or 'come now, let's go'.
Used to urge someone to start or to encourage action. Often translates to 'come on' or 'now then'.
さあ、行こう。
Come now, let's go.
Used to draw attention or to urge someone to look or act. Similar to 'look' or 'come on'.
ほら、早く！
Come now, hurry up!
Getting someone's attention to show them something or to prompt a response, like 'come now, look at this'.
A more emphatic or inviting version of さあ, often used to draw attention or to encourage participation.
さあさあ、こっちに来て。
Come now, come over here.
Used to prompt someone to continue or to hand something over. Can be like 'there' or 'come on'.
それ、見せて。
Come now, show me.
The English phrase 'come now' does not have a single direct equivalent in Japanese. Translating it literally as 来て今 (kite ima) would be nonsensical. Instead, choose an interjection based on the intended nuance and social context.
まあまあ is gentle and can be used in polite or soothing contexts, while おいおい is casual and can sound rough or surprised. Use まあまあ to calm someone down, and おいおい among close friends to express disbelief.