Japanese word

あっ

Pronunciation

Romajia

Meaning

  • interjectionah

Example

あっ、わかりました。a wa ka ri ma shi ta

Ah, I understand.

Illustration for あっ (ah)

More examples

あっ、思い出しました。a omo i da shi ma shi ta

Ah, I remember now.

Core concept

Signals a sudden shift in attention, often when a speaker notices, remembers, or realizes something.

Common phrases

  • あっ、そうですかa sō de su ka

    Oh, I see

  • あっ、すみませんa su mi ma se n

    Oh, excuse me

Similar words

ああā: It expresses recognition of a fact or a recalled memory.
えっe: It expresses surprise and may signal a request for repetition.
おっo: It expresses a sudden response to something noticed with interest.

Definition in Japanese

何かに気づいたり、驚いたりしたときに発する短い言葉。nan ka ni ki zu i ta ri odoro i ta ri shi ta to ki ni has su ru mijika i koto ba

Word origin

The origin of あっ (a) is not securely established; it is a short Japanese interjection written in hiragana that records a spontaneous vocal reaction.

Usage tips

  • In spoken Japanese, あっ (a) often comes before a pause when the speaker notices something, making the instant of realization audible.

Other meanings

  • ohinterjection

Word lists with this word