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よくまあ Japanese meaning | Kotomora

よくまあ

Meanings

1

adverb

how dare you; I can't believe you

Expresses astonishment, indignation, or reproach at someone's audacity or surprising action. Often used in rhetorical questions or exclamations.

See also: よくも

よくまあそんなことが言いえるね。
How dare you say such a thing!
よくまあ一人ひとりでここまで来こられたものだ。
I can't believe you managed to come all the way here by yourself.

Similar words

よくも
よくも is similar but often used with a stronger accusatory tone, directly blaming someone for a negative action. よくまあ adds a nuance of amazement or disbelief, and can be used in both positive and negative contexts.

Etymology

Combination of よく (adverbial form of よい, 'good') and まあ (interjection expressing surprise or hesitation). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the phrase is conventionally used to express astonishment at someone's actions.