ああ

• Reading: ああ
• Romaji: aa
• Pronunciation: /aː/

Meaning

Ah!; oh!; alas! An interjection expressing surprise, realization, or admiration.

Functions both as an interjection and as an adverb meaning 'in that way' (far from both speaker and listener) in the ko-so-a-do system. As an interjection, tone determines meaning: rising for surprise, falling for realization, drawn out for admiration or disappointment. Also used in ああいう (that kind of).

Examples

1. ああ、そうだったんですか。 Oh, so that's how it was.
2. ああいう映画は好きじゃないです。 I don't like those kinds of movies.
3. ああ、今日は疲れた。 Ah, I'm so tired today.

Usage Guide

Context: conversation, reactions, exclamations

Tone: expressive

Origin & History

A natural exclamatory vocalization found across many languages. In Japanese, it was systematized into the ko-so-a-do demonstrative series as the 'a' form, indicating distance from both speaker and listener.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal