German word

na

Pronunciation

IPA/na/

Meaning

  • interjectionhi

Example

Na, was machst du?

Hi, what are you doing?

Illustration for na (hi)

More examples

Na dann, bis morgen.

Well then, see you tomorrow.

Core concept

A brief conversational tap that brings someone into the exchange without stating a full request.

Common phrases

  • Na schön

    all right

  • Na dann

    well then

Similar words

hallo: A standard greeting used to get someone's attention at the start of a conversation.
hey: A casual call used to get someone's attention.

Definition in German

Umgangssprachlicher kurzer Ausruf, mit dem man jemanden anspricht oder eine Reaktion erwartet, oft am Satzanfang verwendet.

Word origin

The interjection German na has an established Middle High German form, although its precise historical development cannot be stated with certainty.

Usage tips

  • German na is not the English refusal nah; context and intonation determine whether it sounds friendly, urging, surprised, or reproachful.

Other meanings

  • wellinterjection
  • heyinterjection

Word lists with this word