やっほー
yahhooslang, playful
A common slang "hello" in Japanese is やっほー (yahhoo), a cheerful greeting like "yo-ho". Friends also say ちーっす (chiissu) and おっす (ossu).
Meaning: casual greeting (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| やっほー | yahhoo | slang, playful |
| ちーっす | chiissu | slang, short |
| おっす | ossu | slang, mostly male |
やっほー (yahhoo) is light and used by many speakers, including women. ちーっす (chiissu) is a clipped form of こんにちは (konnichiwa) heard among young men. おっす (ossu) is a short, strong greeting between friends.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Use these only with friends of your age. With a teacher, a boss or an older person, say こんにちは (konnichiwa).
Did you know?
- The greeting やっほー (yahhoo) is the same sound people shout toward mountain valleys to hear the echo.
Examples in context
- やっほー、元気?Yahhoo, genki?Hey, how are you?
- ちーっす!今日も暑いね。Chiissu! Kyou mo atsui ne.Yo! It is hot today too.
- おっす、久しぶり。Ossu, hisashiburi.Hey, long time no see.
Example conversation
Rui and her friend Mika meet at a train station.
- Ruiやっほー、ミカ!Yahhoo, Mika!Hey, Mika!
- Mikaやっほー。待った?Yahhoo. Matta?Hey. Did you wait long?
- Ruiううん、今来たところ。Uun, ima kita tokoro.No, I just got here.
