まあ

Japanese

Alternative spellings
まぁ まー ま〜 マア マァ マー マ〜

Etymology

Onomatopoeic.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): [ma̠ː]

Interjection

まあ • (mā) 

1. oh! dear! (expression of surprise)
2. come on (used to express encouragement or invitation)
3. well, yes (used to express partial agreement)

   まあいいか。

   Mā ii ka.

   Ah, whatever.

4. well, perhaps (used to express that the speaker has a different perspective)

   まー、

   mā,

   well,...

5. hum (used to express hesitation)