Interjections are called 感動詞 (kandoushi) in Japanese and are used similarly to English interjections. Interjections or be inserted into sentences for emphasis or used on their own.
These interjections express shock, surprise, or astonishment, much like “wow” or “oh” in English.
ええっ (eet) – "What?!", "No way!"
あっ (at) – "Oh!" (when something is noticed suddenly)
わあ (waa) – "Wow!"
ええっ、本当に？ (Eet、hontou ni?) – "What?! Really?"
あっ、鍵を忘れた！ (At、kagi wo wasureta!) – "Oh, I forgot my keys!"
These interjections convey happiness, excitement, or enthusiasm, similar to "Yay!" or "Great!" in English.
やった (yatta) – "I did it!” Hooray!"
うわあ (uwaa) – "Wow!" (in amazement or excitement)
よし (yoshi) – "Alright!", "Okay!" (used to pump oneself up)
やった！試験に合格した！ (Yatta！Shiken ni goukaku shita!) – "I did it! I passed the exam!"
うわあ、この景色は素晴らしい！ (Uwaa、kono keshiki wa subarashii!) – "Wow, this view is amazing!"
These interjections are used to express negative emotions such as frustration, annoyance, or disappointment.
ちくしょう (chikushou) – "Damn it!" (vulgar)
あああ (aaa) – "Aargh!" (frustration or annoyance)
くそ (kuso) – "Crap!" or “Shoot!”
ちくしょう、また負けた！ (Chikushou, mata maketa!) – "Damn it, I lost again!"
あああ、宿題を忘れた！ (Aaa, shukudai wo wasureta!) – "Aargh, I forgot my homework!"
These interjections show understanding, acknowledgment, or agreement, often used in conversation to indicate active listening.
うん (un) – "Yeah" (informal)
はい (hai) – "Yes" (polite)
なるほど (naruhodo) – "I see," "That makes sense"
うん、そうだね。 (Un, sou da ne.) – "Yeah, that’s right."
なるほど、それは面白いね。 (Naruhodo, sore wa omoshiroi ne.) – "I see, that’s interesting."
