ねぇアレクサ
nee arekusa
The phrase "hey alexa" in Japanese is ねぇアレクサ (nee arekusa).
This phrase is used as a wake word to activate the Amazon Alexa virtual assistant.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of the interjection ねぇ, which is used to get someone's attention much like "hey", "say" or "look" in English, followed by the name アレクサ.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The use of ねぇ makes this phrase informal and conversational, which is standard for interacting with a personal virtual assistant.
How do you pronounce it?
nee arekusa
When do people say it?
When interacting with the assistant, you may hear the response Wakarimashita, which means "I understand."
Did you know?
- The interjection ねぇ is frequently used by women and children or between very close friends, which gives the interaction with the device a uniquely intimate feel compared to English.
- Because Japanese avoids using names frequently in conversation, using the name アレクサ specifically to trigger a machine is more common than using names to get a human's attention in a group.
- The name アレクサ is written in Katakana, the script reserved for foreign loanwords, which visually flags to a Japanese reader that 'Alexa' is a non-Japanese entity.
Examples in context
- ねぇアレクサ、音楽をかけて。Nee Alexa, ongaku o kakete.Hey Alexa, play some music.
- ねぇアレクサ、明日の天気は？Nee Alexa, ashita no tenki wa?Hey Alexa, what's the weather like tomorrow?
- ねぇアレクサ、タイマーをセットして。Nee Alexa, taimaa o setto shite.Hey Alexa, set a timer.
Example conversation
A couple is relaxing in the living room on a Sunday morning.
- 大翔 Hirotoねぇアレクサ、ニュースを流して。Nee Alexa, nyuusu o nagashite.Hey Alexa, play the news.
- 結衣 Yui大翔くん、またアレクサに頼んでるの？Hiroto-kun, mata Alexa ni tanonderu no?Hiroto, are you asking Alexa again?
- 大翔 Hiroto結衣、これが一番楽なんだよ。Yui, kore ga ichiban raku nanda yo.Yui, this is just the easiest way.
- 結衣 Yui本当に、便利よね。Hontou ni, benri yo ne.It really is convenient, isn't it?
