Japanese word

いざ

Pronunciation

Romajiiza

Meaning

  • interjectioncome on

Example

いざ、行きましょう。i za i ki ma shō

Come on, let's go.

Illustration for いざ (come on)

More examples

準備ができたら、いざ、始めましょう。jun bi ga de ki ta ra i za haji me ma shō

Once everything is ready, let's begin.

Core concept

Signals a push to begin an action or move into the next step.

Common phrases

  • いざ出発i za shup patsu

    Let's head off

  • いざ本番i za hon ban

    now for the real thing

Similar words

さあsā: A casual interjection used to urge a person or group to begin moving or acting.
よしyoshi: A brief expression of resolve that marks readiness for the next action.

Definition in Japanese

行動を促したり、物事を始めたりするときに発する語。kō dō o unaga shi ta ri mono goto o haji me ta ri su ru to ki ni has su ru go

Word origin

The native Japanese interjection いざ (iza) is attested in classical Japanese as a call to action or a beginning, but its deeper origin is uncertain.

Usage tips

  • In everyday conversation, いざ (iza) can sound more forceful or dramatic than a casual call to move, so it often suits a moment of decision or departure.

Other meanings

  • well theninterjection

Word lists with this word