Translation guide
An interjection used to get someone's attention, express surprise, or greet casually. Japanese equivalents vary by situation, politeness, and gender.
Calling out to someone to get their attention, often in a casual or urgent way.
Casual and somewhat rough, used mainly by men. Can sound rude if used with strangers or superiors.
おい、ちょっと待って。
Hey, wait a minute.
Casual and friendly, used by both genders. Softer than おい.
ねえ、聞いてる？
Hey, are you listening?
Literally 'a little', but used to get attention, similar to 'hey' or 'excuse me'.
ちょっと、そこの人！
Hey, you there!
Hesitation sound used to get attention politely, like 'um' or 'hey'.
あの、すみません。
Hey, excuse me.
Reacting to something unexpected or objectionable.
Can express surprise or indignation, often with a rising tone.
おい、何するんだ！
Hey, what are you doing!
Used to express mild protest or surprise, like 'hey now'.
Sharp intake of breath expressing surprise, like 'huh?' or 'hey!'.
えっ、本当？
Hey, really?
Saying hello in a very informal way, like 'hey' between friends.
Very casual greeting, often used by men. Equivalent to 'hey' or 'yo'.
よっ、元気？
Hey, how's it going?
Casual greeting, similar to 'hi' or 'hey'. Used by both genders.
やあ、久しぶり。
Hey, long time no see.
Very casual, masculine greeting among close friends, like 'hey' or 'sup'.
English 'hey' covers many situations, but Japanese uses different words for attention, surprise, and greeting. Using the wrong one can sound rude or unnatural.
おい is rough and masculine; ねえ is softer and gender-neutral. Use ねえ for a friendly tone, おい only with close friends or in strong emotion.
おい、ふざけるな。
Hey, don't mess around.
ねえ、一緒に行かない？
Hey, want to go together?
ちょっと、やめてよ。
Hey, stop it.
Hey, it's hot again today.