What Does Ara Ara Mean in Japanese? Plus, How to Use It

What does ara ara mean?

“Ara ara” roughly translates to “oh my.” “Ara ara” is a Japanese exclamation that means “oh my,” “oh, dear,” or “oh me, oh my” in English. In real life, it is mainly used by older women, and, depending on the context, may convey mild surprise, affection, or disapproval. In anime, it is often used in a suggestive way towards younger men. The word “ara” doesn’t have to be repeated twice. On its own, it translates as “oh” or “ah.” For example, the sentence “Ara, mou konna jikan? (あら、もうこんな時間?)” means “Oh, it is already that late?” In this case, “ara” is expressing surprise. In some cases, “ara ara” may also translate to “well, well.” This is most commonly found in anime and manga, in which the phrase is used flirtatiously.

How to Use Ara Ara in Real Life

Say “ara ara” to express mild surprise. Literally translated, “ara ara” means “oh, oh,” but the meaning more closely aligns with phrases like “oh my” or “oh dear.” Use this phrase if you’re slightly surprised or astonished by someone or something. For example, “Ara ara. Ookiku natta ne (あらあら。大きくなったね。)” translates to “My, my! You sure have grown!” or “Oh, look at you! You sure have grown!” “Ara ara, atto iu ma datta (あらあら、あっという間だった。)” means “My, my, how time flies!” Using the single “ara” sounds more surprised and abrupt, while “ara ara” sounds softer and less shocked.

Use the phrase to show affection. “Ara ara” can also be a gentle and polite interjection to show affection, compassion, or empathy for someone. This is especially true for mothers or mother figures who want to comfort their children over a minor setback or inconvenience, like dropping an ice cream cone. For example, “Ara ara, atarashii no kau kara nakanaide ne (あらあら、新しいの買うから泣かないでね。)” means “Oh dear, I’ll buy you a new one. Don’t cry, okay?” “Ara ara, mite! Okaa-chan wa acchi desu (あらあら、見て！お母ちゃんはあっちです。)” means “Ssh ssh, look! Your mother is over there.”

Say “ara ara” to express disapproval or annoyance. When said in a more serious tone, “ara ara” can show mild annoyance, disapproval, cynicism, or skepticism. This meaning may translate to something like “tsk tsk” or “good grief.” This meaning usually isn’t used as often as the others, however. For example, “Ara ara, asoko o goran (あらあら、 あそこをご覧。)” roughly translates to “Good grief! Look at what’s going on over there.” “Ara? Sou desu ka? (あら？そうですか？)” translates to a skeptical “Huh? Is that so?”

Ara Ara in Anime

In anime, “ara ara” is sometimes used suggestively. While the phrase can be used the same way it is in real life, “ara ara” may have flirty connotations depending on the context. In some anime, an older female character may say “ara ara” flirtatiously, in an attempt to seduce a younger male character. In this case, the phrase likely translates to “well, well” or “Oh, look at this cutie.” Sometimes, the phrase may be exaggerated to “ara ara ara ara” in anime, which shows extreme surprise and excitement. This phrase won’t typically be used in real life.

Is ara ara flirty?

“Ara ara” is flirtatious in anime, but not real life. According to many Japanese speakers, it is extremely rare for the phrase “ara ara” to be used suggestively in Japan. While this may happen in anime, the phrase is mainly used in Japan to express surprise, astonishment, or motherly affection. It isn’t generally recommended to attempt to use the phrase flirtatiously in real life.

Ara Ara Origins

“Ara ara” became popular in anime in the 80s and 90s. While the phrase “ara ara” has likely been used in Japan for centuries, it only began to appear in anime and manga in the 1980s and 1990s. One of the earliest known uses in anime is in the 1995 series Neon Genesis Evangelion, in which the character Misato Katsuragi uses the phrase to express surprise and concern. Since then, the phrase is commonly used by female anime characters to express their softer, nurturing side. In recent years, “ara ara” has become a meme in which anime fans use it to express a wide range of emotions online. Some anime fans suggest that “ara ara” has become a catchphrase for the moe (cute and innocent) character archetype.

Other Common Anime Phrases

Yare yare daze “Yare yare daze” is a phrase from the popular anime series JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure. It is the catchphrase of Jotaro Kujo, the main character of the third story arch, titled Stardust Crusaders. The phrase roughly translates to “well, well” or “good grief” and often expresses boredom or exasperation.

Sugoi “Sugoi” is used in anime and daily Japanese conversation to express amazement, wonder, and delight. However, it can also mean “terrible” or “dreadful” depending on the context. Regardless of the meaning, it is typically used as an exclamation.

Daijobu “Daijobu” is a Japanese word that means “okay” or “all right.” It’s often used as a response to an order or an instruction, though it can also be used to ask if someone is okay or to tell people that you are okay.

Doki doki “Doki doki” is a Japanese onomatopoeia that refers to the sound of a beating heart, specifically in relation to feeling nervous or excited. It may also describe the sensation of butterflies in your stomach and is often associated with crushes.