万歳
banzai[bã̠nd͡za̠i]
The English phrase 'hurray' is translated into Japanese as 万歳 (banzai).
The expression 万歳 is used to celebrate great achievements or to wish for long life. For expressing excitement and congratulations, you can also use expressions like やったね.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 万歳 literally means 'ten thousand years'.
Which one should you use?
Daily excitement is often expressed using やった！ For a more laid-back and excited tone, you can add a prolonged vowel sound to the end to create やったー.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In casual daily conversation, Japanese speakers are more likely to use やった！ to express excitement or 'hurray' than the more formal or ceremonial 万歳.
How do you pronounce it?
banzai
When do people say it?
Traditionally, when using the phrase 万歳, it is often accompanied by raising both arms above the head.
Did you know?
- During World War II, the phrase 万歳 was used as a rallying cry for 'banzai charges' during desperate final attacks.
- While 万歳 is now a cheer, it originated as a formal greeting for the emperor meant to wish him 'ten thousand years' of life.
- The phrase 万歳 is a loanword from Middle Chinese, which reflects the deep historical influence of Chinese administrative and court language on Japan.
Examples in context
- 万歳！Hurray!This example shows how to use 万歳 to say hurray.Tatoeba #4443329 by chihiro, translation #1148363 by cntrational
- 試験に合格した、万歳！Shiken ni goukaku shita, banzai!I passed the exam, hurray!
Example conversation
Two friends find out their school trip is confirmed.
- 蓮 Ren修学旅行に行けるぞ、万歳！Shuugaku ryokou ni ikeru zo, banzai!We can go on the school trip, hurray!
- 陽葵 Himari本当によかったね、蓮。Hontou ni yokatta ne, Ren.I'm so glad, Ren.
- 蓮 Ren今から準備しなきゃ。Ima kara junbi shinakya.I have to start preparing now.
- 陽葵 Himari私も準備するよ、陽葵も楽しみ！Watashi mo junbi suru yo, Himari mo tanoshimi!I'll prepare too, Himari is excited too!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 万歳, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 万歳, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
