Translation guide
In Japanese, interjections are a rich and varied part of speech used to express emotions, reactions, fillers, and conversational cues. Unlike English, many Japanese interjections are highly context-dependent and can vary by gender, formality, and region. This guide covers common interjections organized by the feeling or function they convey.
Expressing sudden surprise, shock, or a moment of realization.
A very common, neutral interjection for mild surprise or sudden realization. Can be used by anyone.
Oh, I forgot!
あっ、そうだ。
Oh, that's right.
Expresses surprise, disbelief, or confusion. Often used as a reaction to unexpected news.
えっ、本当？
What? Really?
Expresses disbelief or shock, like 'No way!' or 'It can't be!' Often used when something unexpected happens.
まさか、彼が来るなんて。
No way, I can't believe he's coming.
Reacting to physical pain or sudden discomfort.
Literally 'ouch', used when feeling sudden pain. The small っ indicates a sharp, abrupt sound.
痛っ！足をぶつけた。
Ouch! I hit my foot.
A more drawn-out expression of pain, often used for lingering or throbbing pain. Slightly more casual.
あいたた、腰が痛い。
Ouch, my back hurts.
Filling pauses while thinking or showing hesitation.
Equivalent to 'um' or 'uh' in English. Used when pausing to think or recall something.
ええと、何を言おうとしたんだっけ。
Um, what was I going to say?
A polite filler used to get someone's attention or when hesitating. Often used before asking a question or making a request.
Can be used as a filler meaning 'well' or 'let me see'. Also used to express mild surprise or resignation.
まあ、そうですね。
Well, let me see...
Showing that you are listening, agreeing, or acknowledging what was said.
Casual 'yeah' or 'uh-huh'. Used in informal conversation to show agreement or that you're listening.
うん、わかった。
Yeah, I got it.
Polite 'yes' or 'I understand'. Also used as a response when called. Can be used as a backchannel in formal settings.
はい、そうです。
Yes, that's right.
Expresses understanding or realization, like 'I see' or 'That makes sense'.
Expressing disappointment, frustration, or annoyance.
A casual expression of mild frustration or disappointment, similar to 'darn' or 'shoot'.
ちぇっ、また負けた。
Darn, I lost again.
Expresses exasperation or annoyance, like 'oh, come on' or 'jeez'. Often used when things don't go as planned.
もう、何やってるの！
Jeez, what are you doing!
A sigh-like interjection expressing disappointment, weariness, or resignation. Can also express realization.
ああ、疲れた。
Ahh, I'm tired.
Getting someone's attention or calling out to them.
Casual 'hey' or 'say' used to get someone's attention. Often used among friends or family.
ねえ、ちょっと聞いて。
Hey, listen to this.
A rougher, more masculine 'hey' used to call someone, often with a sense of urgency or annoyance. Can be rude if used inappropriately.
おい、待ってくれ。
Hey, wait up.
Used exclusively when answering the phone, equivalent to 'hello'.
Some interjections are strongly associated with masculine or feminine speech, or with specific levels of formality. Using the wrong one can sound unnatural or rude. For example, おい is typically used by men and can be perceived as rough, while あら is often used by women to express surprise. When in doubt, stick to neutral interjections like あっ or えっ.
Sentence-final particles like ね, よ, and よね often function similarly to interjections in English, adding emotional nuance or seeking agreement. While not standalone interjections, they are crucial for natural conversation. For example, いい天気ですね (It's nice weather, isn't it?) uses ね to invite agreement.
Um, excuse me. Where is the station?
なるほど、そういうことか。
I see, so that's how it is.
もしもし、田中です。
Hello, this is Tanaka.