Translation guide
An exclamation of mild annoyance, exasperation, or disbelief. Japanese has several common interjections that map to this, but the best choice depends on the speaker's gender, age, and the situation.
Express a sigh of frustration or irritation at a situation or someone's actions.
A very common, gender-neutral interjection expressing mild exasperation, relief, or resignation. Often used when something troublesome is finally over or when faced with a recurring annoyance.
Good grief, he's late again.
Good grief, it's finally over.
Literally 'completely' or 'really', used as an interjection to express exasperation or disbelief. Often followed by a comment about the situation. More common in casual speech.
Good grief, you're a handful.
Good grief, what are you thinking?
A casual, drawn-out sigh expressing disappointment or mild frustration. Often used when something goes wrong or doesn't meet expectations.
Good grief, it's started raining.
A very casual, colloquial contraction of 嫌になってしまう (iya ni natte shimau), meaning 'I'm fed up' or 'this is so annoying'. Used mostly by younger speakers or in very informal settings.
Good grief, I'm so fed up.
React to something surprising, absurd, or hard to believe.
Expresses disbelief or shock, like 'No way!' or 'You must be kidding!' Can be used as a standalone interjection or in a sentence.
Good grief, did you really do that?
Good grief! That can't be.
Literally 'lie', used as an exclamation meaning 'No way!' or 'You're kidding!' Very common in casual conversation.
Express that you've accepted a frustrating situation because you can't change it.
Means 'it can't be helped' or 'there's no choice'. Often used with a sigh to convey resignation. Can be used alone or in a sentence.
Good grief, let's do it again tomorrow.
Good grief, it can't be helped.
Synonym of しょうがない, slightly more formal or written. Same meaning of resignation.
Both express exasperation, but やれやれ is more of a sigh (often with a sense of relief or weariness), while まったく is more directly critical of the situation or person. やれやれ can be used when something is finally over; まったく is better when you're actively annoyed.
Good grief, it's finally quiet.
Good grief, so noisy.
Some expressions like やんなっちゃう can sound very feminine or childish. やれやれ is safe for all genders and ages, but is often associated with older men in fiction. In real life, it's widely used. まったく is neutral but slightly masculine in tone when used as an interjection.
Good grief, it broke again?
仕方ない、諦めよう。
Good grief, let's give up.