Japanese word

やあ

Pronunciation

Romajiyā

Meaning

  • interjectionhi

Example

やあ、元気ですか？yā gen ki de su ka

Hi, how are you?

Illustration for やあ (hi)

More examples

やあ、また会えてうれしいです。yā ma ta a e te u re shi i de su

Hi, I am happy to see you again.

Core concept

The interjection やあ (yā, "hi") warmly opens a casual exchange with someone familiar.

Common phrases

  • やあ、久しぶりyā hisa shi bu ri

    Hi, long time no see

Similar words

こんにちはkonnichiwa: A common daytime greeting used in polite or neutral situations.
おっすossu: A very casual greeting used mainly among familiar people.
やっほーyahhō: A cheerful informal greeting used with friends or other familiar people.

Definition in Japanese

人に出会ったときなどに発する、親しい相手へのくだけた呼びかけや挨拶の語。hito ni de a tta to ki na do ni has su ru shita shi i ai te e no ku da ke ta yo bi ka ke ya ai satsu no go

Word origin

The interjection やあ (yā, "hi") is an extended form of や (ya, "a call or greeting"), with the final vowel lengthened in speech.

Usage tips

  • The greeting やあ (yā) can also call attention to someone, so it may be heard before a conversation rather than only at the moment of meeting.

Word lists with this word