Japanese word

まあ

Pronunciation

Romajimā

Meaning

  • adverbwell

Example

まあ、大丈夫です。mā dai jō bu de su

Well, it is okay.

Illustration for まあ (well)

More examples

まあ、無理をしなくても大丈夫です。mā mu ri o shi na ku te mo dai jō bu de su

Well, you do not have to push yourself.

Core concept

Introduces or softens a remark while leaving room for the speaker's tone to add meanings such as acceptance, hesitation, or mild protest.

Common phrases

  • まあねmā ne

    well, yeah

Similar words

まあまあmāmā: Indicates a moderate degree or an average level.

Definition in Japanese

発言の切り出しや調子をやわらげるために用い、容認・ためらい・軽い不満などを表す語。hatsu gen no ki ri da shi ya chō shi o ya wa ra ge ru ta me ni mochi i yō nin ta me ra i karu i fu man na do o arawa su go

Word origin

The native Japanese expression まあ (mā) is commonly connected with ま (ma), an older interjection, while the exact historical development is not fully certain.

Usage tips

  • The repeated form まあまあ (māmā) can mean moderately or so-so, and in speech it can also calm someone, as in まあまあ、落ち着いて (māmā, ochitsuite).

Other meanings

  • come onadverb
  • justadverb

Word lists with this word