Japanese word

おや

Pronunciation

Romajioya

Meaning

  • interjectionoh?

Example

おや？猫ですか。o ya neko de su ka

Oh? Is it a cat?

Illustration for おや (oh?)

More examples

おや、電気がついたままですよ。o ya den ki ga tsu i ta ma ma de su yo

Oh, the light is still on.

Core concept

Marks the moment when an unexpected sight or fact draws attention and produces mild surprise or curiosity.

Common phrases

  • おやまあo ya mā

    oh my

Similar words

あらara: An interjection expressing mild surprise at something newly noticed.
えっe: An interjection showing sudden surprise at new information or an unexpected sight.
へえhē: An interjection showing surprise or interest at something newly noticed.

Definition in Japanese

予想外のものを見たり聞いたりした際に、軽い驚きや関心を示す語。yo sō gai no mo no o mi ta ri ki i ta ri shi ta sai ni karu i odoro ki ya kan shin o shime su go

Word origin

おや (oya) is an old Japanese exclamation whose exact origin is uncertain; repeating it as おやおや (oyaoya) makes the surprised reaction more emphatic.

Usage tips

  • English speakers often use a rising "Oh?" to show mild surprise and invite clarification, whereas a falling "Oh!" more plainly reacts to new information.

Other meanings

  • oh!interjection
  • my!interjection

Word lists with this word