interjection
oh dear; good gracious
An old-fashioned or slightly theatrical exclamation of surprise, dismay, or exasperation. Often used in a self-deprecating or humorous tone.
いやはや、今日は本当に暑いですね。
Oh dear, it's really hot today, isn't it?
いやはや、参った参った。
Good gracious, I'm completely stumped.
Reduplication of the interjection いや (expressing surprise or negation) with はや (an old emphatic particle). The exact historical derivation is uncertain.