Nihongo Nihongo
Japanese Conversational Interjections
| No. | Japanese | Romaji | Meaning | Explanation |
| 1 | うそ | uso | No way! | This literally means “lie.” When said with surprise, it means “Really?” but when said with disbelief, it can mean “I don’t believe that.” |
| 2 | ほんと | honto | Really | This can be used to agree with the listener. I swear. That’s for sure. I’m telling the truth. This literally means “true” or “fact.” In less colloquial circumstances, it really has a う at the end: ほんとう. |
| 3 | ほんとに | honto ni | Really? | The adverbial form can be used to confirm what someone said is really true. |
| 4 | まさか | masaka | It can’t be. | This is usually said when the listener suddenly realizes what the speaker is saying may actually be true despite it sounding absurd. It can’t be… |
| 5 | 信じられない | shinjirarenai | I don’t believe it. | Literally, this means “I cannot believe.” But this can also be said when believing but not wanting to believe. I can’t believe (he did that). |
| 6 | ありえない | arienai | Impossible! | This means impossible, but again, it may simply show the listener is shocked by what she hears. |
| 7 | おかしい | okashii | That’s odd. | This means “odd” or “strange.” Something’s funny about that. |
| 8 | はい | hai | Yes | While this means “yes,” はい is often used in conversation to show attention and interest. |
| 9 | ええ | ee | Yeah | This is sometimes written as えー. This is a common substitute for はい with generally the same meaning. I’m listening and I’m interested. When said with a rising tone, it can show surprise or disbelief. |
| 10 | うん | un | Yep | This is a less formal but common way to say “yes.” As mentioned above, saying this doesn’t necessarily mean you agree with the speaker, but just that you are showing interest. |
| 11 | なるほど | naruhodo | I see. | When the listener explains something you didn’t previously understand, you can say, “I see” or “I get it” or “indeed.” |
| 12 | さすが | sasuga | As expected | This means “as one would expect” and is often used as a compliment. If the speaker says an accomplishment, compliment him or her with “I knew you could do it.” |
| 13 | すごい! | sugoi! | Amazing! | すごい means “amazing” and can be compared to the slang word “cool” or “awesome.” When the speaker says something amazing, use this. |
| 14 | そうですね。 | sou desu ne. | That’s right. | Also shortened as そうだ, this literally means “That is so.” It shows mild agreement, but it could also just be used to show interest. |
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