ララ
rara
The English nonsense syllable lala is translated into Japanese as ララ (rara).
This phrase is a nonsense syllable used to represent the sound of singing or humming a tune.
Which one should you use?
The version ラララ is used to depict a catchy tune or to express joy by elongating the sound.
How do you pronounce it?
rara
Did you know?
- Because the Japanese 'r' sound is an alveolar tap, similar to a soft 'd' or the 'tt' in 'better', singing 'lala' in Japanese often sounds more like 'dada' or 'tata' to English ears.
- In manga, the phrase ラララ is frequently used as a visual sound effect to indicate a character is blissfully ignoring someone or is in a daydream.
- While ララ is written in katakana, Japanese music scores often use the hiragana らら to give the singing a softer or more traditional feel.
Examples in context
- メロディーはララと続くThe melody goes lala
- ラララと歌い続けるKeep singing lala-la-la
- ララというフレーズを繰り返してくださいPlease repeat the phrase "lala."
- ラララと一緒に歌おうLet's sing along with "lala-la-la."
- ラララと歌うのが好きです。rarara to utau no ga suki desu.I like singing la la la.
- メロディに合わせてララと歌いましょう。merodi ni awasete rara to utaimashou.Let's sing la la to the melody.
Example conversation
Himari and Kenta are walking to school together.
- 陽葵 Himariラララ、なんだか楽しい気分！Rarara, nandaka tanoshii kibun!La la la, I'm feeling quite happy!
- 健太 Kenta陽葵はいつも歌っているね。Himari wa itsumo utatte iru ne.Himari, you are always singing.
- 陽葵 Himariふふっ、いい歌を思い出したの。Fufu, ii uta o omoidashita no.Hehe, I just remembered a good song.
- 健太 Kenta僕も一緒に歌おうかな。Boku mo issho ni utaō kana.Maybe I'll sing along too.
