Translation guide
The English interjection 'hey' has several functions: getting attention, greeting casually, expressing surprise or protest, and as a filler. Japanese uses different expressions for each, and some uses have no direct equivalent.
You want to call out to someone to get their attention, often in a casual or urgent way.
A blunt, casual way to call out to someone, often used among friends or in rough situations. Can sound rude if used with strangers or superiors.
Hey, wait a minute.
A softer, more friendly way to get someone's attention, similar to 'hey' or 'say'. Used among friends, family, or when trying to be polite.
ねえ、聞いてる？
Hey, are you listening?
Literally 'a little', but often used as an attention-getter meaning 'hey' or 'excuse me'. Can be used with strangers or in service situations.
ちょっと、すみません。
Hey, excuse me.
A hesitant attention-getter, like 'uh, hey' or 'excuse me'. Polite and often used when interrupting or asking a question.
あのう、駅はどこですか？
Hey, where is the station?
A sharp, scolding 'hey!' used to reprimand someone, like 'hey, you!' or 'oi!'. Often used by authority figures or in anger.
こら、やめなさい！
Hey, stop that!
You want to greet someone informally, like saying 'hi' or 'hey' when you meet.
A casual 'hi' or 'hey' used mainly by men. Friendly and informal.
やあ、元気？
Hey, how are you?
A very short, casual greeting like 'hey' or 'yo'. Often used between close friends.
よっ、久しぶり。
Hey, long time no see.
A very casual, masculine greeting like 'hey' or 'yo'. Derived from 'おはようございます'. Used among young men or in sports settings.
You want to react to something unexpected or objectionable, like 'hey!' in English.
Used to express mild protest or surprise, like 'hey, wait a minute'. Can be combined with other words.
ちょっと、それひどいよ。
Hey, that's mean.
A stronger protest, like 'hey!' when you're annoyed or want to object.
おい、ふざけるな。
Hey, don't mess around.
An expression of surprise, like 'huh?' or 'hey?' when something unexpected happens.
えっ、本当？
Hey, really?
You use 'hey' as a filler word to pause or soften what you're saying, similar to 'um' or 'well'.
A common filler used to hesitate or get attention before speaking, like 'um, hey'.
あのう、ちょっといいですか？
Hey, can I talk to you for a sec?
Similar to 'um' or 'well', used when thinking or hesitating. Can be used like 'hey' in some contexts.
ええと、何だっけ？
Hey, what was it again?
Can be used as a filler to engage the listener, like 'hey, you know'.
ねえ、そう思わない？
Hey, don't you think so?
English 'hey' has many functions, but Japanese uses distinct words for each. Using the wrong one can sound rude or unnatural. Pay attention to the situation and relationship.
おい is blunt and can be rude; ねえ is softer and friendlier. Use ねえ with friends or when you want to be polite, and avoid おい with strangers or superiors.
おい、何してるんだ？
Hey, what are you doing? (rough)
ねえ、何してるの？
Hey, what are you doing? (friendly)
Hey, how's it going?