またか
mata ka
In Japanese, "not again" is expressed as またか (mata ka).
またか is used to express frustration at a repeated event. It is typically used as an exclamation directed at a situation or as a self-muttering, rather than as a direct question aimed at another person.
Meaning: frustration at repeated event (intj)
Which one should you use?
またかよ is a more emotive version that can mean "Not again" or "Again? Seriously?" For a more polite approach, use またですか.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
またかよ is a colloquial and rough expression often used in casual, masculine speech to emphasize frustration. If you wish to be polite, use またですか.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the same sentiment of "not again" in a polite manner, you can use またですか.
How do you pronounce it?
mata ka
Did you know?
- Japanese has several ways to say 'again', but また is specifically used for events that recur, whereas もう一度 is used when asking for a one-time repetition, like asking someone to repeat a word.
- Using またか toward a superior in a Japanese company is considered a serious breach of etiquette, as it implies the superior is making the same mistake repeatedly.
- In casual speech, the か in またか is often elongated into またかー, which changes the tone from a sharp realization to a long, drawn-out moan of despair.
Examples in context
- またか。mataka.Not again.
- またか、このエラー。mataka, kono eraa.Not again, this error.
- またかよ、雨。mataka yo, ame.Not again, the rain.
Example conversation
A young man and woman are looking at a broken appliance.
- 陽太 Yotaまたか、壊れた。mataka, kowareta.Not again, it broke.
- 陽葵 Himari陽太くん、大丈夫？Youta-kun, daijoubu?Youta, are you okay?
- 陽太 Yotaあーあ、またか。aa, mataka.Oh man, not again.
- 陽葵 Himari新しいのを買いましょう。atarashii no o kaimashou.Let's buy a new one.
