はあ

Japanese

Alternative spellings
はぁ はー は～ ハア ハァ ハー ハ～

Etymology

Onomatopoeic.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): [ha̠ː]

Interjection

はあ or ハア • (hā) 

1. Used to express polite agreement.
2. um; uh (expression of thought, confusion, or uncertainty)
3. huh? hmm? what?! (used to forcefully call attention to something)
4. oops (used in response to a failure or mistake)

   Synonyms: しまった (shimatta), やば (yaba)

5. ha! (expression of loud laughter)
6. A sigh.
7. (pornographic manga) The sound of heavy breathing when sexually aroused.

Usage notes

• Some uses of this interjection are considered rude, and are generally used when someone is angry. Other interjections like へえ (hē) or ん (n) are used in milder situations.

Descendants

• → English: haa