Japanese word

さあ

Pronunciation

Romajisā

Meaning

  • interjectioncome on

Example

さあ、行きましょう。sā i ki ma shō

Come on, let's go.

Illustration for さあ (come on)

More examples

さあ、みんなで歌いましょう。sā mi n na de uta i ma shō

Come on, let's sing together.

Core concept

It directs shared attention to an object being offered or to an action that should begin.

Common phrases

  • さあ、どうぞsā dō zo

    Here you go

  • さあ、行こうsā i kō

    come on, let's go

Similar words

よしyoshi: An interjection expressing readiness to begin an action or proceed with a plan.
ほらhora: An interjection used to draw attention or encourage immediate action.

Definition in Japanese

相手に注意を向けさせ、物を差し出したり行動を促したりするときに発する語。ai te ni chū i o mu ke sa se mono o sa shi da shi ta ri kō dō o unaga shi ta ri su ru to ki ni has su ru go

Word origin

The interjection さあ (sā) has an uncertain origin, so it is not reliably explained as a combination of separate words.

Usage tips

  • The phrase さあ、始めよう (sā, hajimeyō) is a common way to open an activity, so さあ (sā) can mark the moment when a group moves from speaking to acting.

Other meanings

  • hereinterjection

Word lists with this word