Explore Words Kanji Grammar Guides

Copyright © 2026 Kotomora. All Rights Reserved.

Get the Kotomora apps for iOS and Android.

Explore Words Kanji Grammar Guides About Support Privacy

Copyright © 2026 Kotomora. All Rights Reserved.

あっ (a) Japanese meaning: ah! | Kotomora

あっ

also: あ

あ

っ

Common word›JLPTN4›Freq.FrequencyTop 100

Meanings

1

Expresses sudden realization, recollection, or mild surprise. Often used when something comes to mind.

あっ、財さい布ふを忘わすれた。

Ah! I forgot my wallet.

あっ、そういえば明日あしたは休やすみだ。

Oh, now that you mention it, tomorrow is a holiday.

2

Used to get someone's attention, often with a slight sense of urgency or calling out.

あっ、ちょっと待まって！
Hey, wait a moment!

Related words· 7

ああN4sense 1
あっ is a short, abrupt exclamation of sudden realization or surprise, while ああ is longer and often conveys deeper emotion, understanding, or disappointment.
うわ
あっ is a general exclamation of sudden realization or surprise, while うわ specifically conveys shock, dismay, or being startled with more intensity.
はっ
あっ is the common exclamation of sudden surprise or realization, while はっ conveys a similar shock but with a slightly sharper, gasping quality.
おっ
あっ expresses sudden realization or alarm, while おっ is lighter and can mark mild surprise or a small slip.

Show 3 more

おっと
あっ is a general exclamation of sudden surprise or realization, while おっと specifically marks noticing or recovering from a minor mistake.
ああ
あっ is a short, sudden exclamation of surprise, whereas ああ can express a longer, more drawn-out realization or admiration.
おお
あっ is a short, sharp exclamation for sudden noticing or alarm, while おお is longer and more drawn-out, fitting wonder or hearty agreement.

Don't confuse with

えっN5sense 1
あっ expresses sudden realization or recollection, whereas えっ expresses surprise or confusion in reaction to unexpected information.

Written forms

あっUsage42%
Standard hiragana spelling for this interjection.
あUsage54%
Shortened form without the glottal stop; softer or more drawn-out.
アッUsage4%
Katakana variant, often used for emphasis or in manga.
アUsage<1%
Katakana shortened form.
アっ
Mixed-kana variant, occasionally seen in informal writing.

Etymology

A natural exclamation; the exact origin is uncertain, but it is a basic sound-symbolic interjection common across languages.