Translation guide
An exclamation used when lifting or throwing something heavy with effort, or a nautical command to pull or lift. In Japanese, this is expressed with rhythmic calls like よいしょ or せーの, depending on the context.
A grunt or shout when exerting force to lift, push, or pull something heavy.
The most common exclamation when lifting something heavy or making a physical effort. Often repeated rhythmically.
A call to synchronize a group pulling or lifting together, like a tug-of-war or hauling a rope.
Used to coordinate a simultaneous effort. Equivalent to 'ready, set, go!' or 'heave!' when pulling together.
せーの、で引っ張って！
Heave! Pull on three!
A longer, more rhythmic version of せーの, often used in games or group activities.
A command given on a ship to pull or lift something, like an anchor or sail.
Also used in nautical contexts as a general heave-ho. Not a specialized maritime term but commonly understood.
English 'heave!' is often used as a command or exclamation, but Japanese equivalents are more like rhythmic grunts or coordination calls. Avoid literal translations like 持ち上げろ (lift it!) unless actually commanding someone.
よいしょ、っと。
Heave-ho!
よいしょ、よいしょ。
Heave, heave!
A more emphatic or old-fashioned version of よいしょ, often used by older people or when the effort is greater.
どっこいしょ、と立ち上がる。
Heave! He stood up with effort.
A rhythmic chant used when carrying heavy loads, like a festival mikoshi. Often paired with ほいさ or よいさ.
えっさ、ほいさ。
Heave-ho! (chant while carrying something)
Heave! Let's lift on the count of three.
錨を上げろ、よいしょ！
Heave! Raise the anchor!
A chant used in traditional Japanese boat pulling or tug-of-war, derived from 'O-S' (possibly from English 'heave-ho'). Rare and context-specific.
オーエス、オーエス！
Heave-ho! (traditional boat pulling chant)