Japanese word

はあ

Pronunciation

Romajihā

Meaning

  • interjectionwell

Example

「はあ、そうですか。」hā sō de su ka

Well, I see.

Illustration for はあ (well)

More examples

はあ、それは大変でしたね。hā so re wa tai hen de shi ta ne

Oh, that sounds tough.

Core concept

Signals an immediate response to another person's words, ranging from simple acknowledgment to mild surprise depending on the situation.

Common phrases

  • はあ、そうなんですねhā sō na n de su ne

    Well, I see

Similar words

ええē: A polite response that acknowledges information or shows agreement.
はいhai: A direct response that acknowledges information, agreement, or readiness to respond.
うんun: A casual response that acknowledges what another person has said.
へえhē: A response that shows mild surprise or interest in new information.

Definition in Japanese

相手の発言に対し、納得した気持ちや少し驚いた気持ちを示して返す応答。ai te no hatsu gen ni tai shi nat toku shi ta ki mo chi ya suko shi odoro i ta ki mo chi o shime shi te kae su ō tō

Word origin

The spelling はあ (hā) represents a lengthened response sound, but no certain older source for the interjection is known.

Usage tips

  • Because はあ (hā) does not by itself promise full agreement, it can keep a conversation smooth when the listener is still considering the information.

Other meanings

  • yesinterjection
  • indeedinterjection

Word lists with this word