also: は · はあっ · はあー
Used as an affirmative response or to show understanding, similar to 'yes' or 'uh-huh'. Can also be used as a filler or to express mild surprise.
"Can you do this for me?" "Yes, I understand."
Oh, so that's what it was.
ha!
An exclamation of surprise, realization, or sometimes laughter. Often written with an exclamation mark.
Ha! You startled me!
Used to express confusion or to ask for clarification, similar to 'huh?' or 'what?'. Often with rising intonation.
Huh? What are you talking about?
Represents a sigh of exhaustion, disappointment, or relief. Often drawn out as はあ〜.
Sigh, I'm tired.
ええ is a casual affirmative like はあ, but ええ sounds a bit more engaged and conversational, while はあ can sound more distracted or uncertain.
はあ often expresses a sigh of tiredness, confusion, or mild surprise, while あああ conveys stronger despair or exasperation.
Standard hiragana spelling for this interjection.
Short form; less common and may be ambiguous.
Variant with small ぁ.
Katakana spelling; search-only variant.
Common variant with long vowel mark.
Katakana spelling; search-only variant.
Emphatic form with small っ.
Katakana spelling; search-only variant.
An interjection of natural origin; the exact derivation is uncertain. It likely developed as a vocal expression of various emotions.