やれやれ
yareyare[ja̠ɾe̞ja̠ɾe̞]
The English phrase "oh boy" can be translated into Japanese as やれやれ (yareyare).
やれやれ is an informal expression. It can express a sense of relief after a difficult situation, much like saying "whew". Alternatively, it is used to show mild exasperation or resignation when facing a nuisance, similar to saying "good grief" or "oh boy".
How do you pronounce it?
yareyare
Did you know?
- The word やれ is an archaic imperative form of the verb 'to do', making the modern phrase a rhythmic repetition of a command that has lost its original strength.
- In manga and anime, やれやれ is often used as a character trope for the 'cool and collected' protagonist who finds everyone else's chaos exhausting.
- If you use やれやれ toward a superior in a business setting, it can sound dismissive or condescending, as if you are judging their situation.
Examples in context
- やれやれ・・・。Oh boy…This example shows how to use やれやれ to express a sigh of relief or resignation.Tatoeba #3508006 by arnab, translation #405485 by FeuDRenais
- やれやれ、またやっちゃったな。Oh boy, there I go again.This example uses やれやれ to express exasperation.Tatoeba #1992214 by small_snow, translation #2028943 by rafael8243
- やれやれ、やっと終わったよ。Yare yare, yatto owatta yo.Oh boy, it's finally finished.
Example conversation
Ren is sighing with relief after a long day of work.
- 蓮 Renやれやれ、やっと仕事が終わった。Yare yare, yatto shigoto ga owatta.Oh boy, work is finally done.
- 美咲 Misakiお疲れ様、蓮さん。Otsukaresama, Ren-san.Good job, Ren.
- 蓮 Ren本当に疲れたよ。Hontou ni tsukareta yo.I'm really exhausted.
- 美咲 Misakiゆっくり休んでね。Yukkuri yasunde ne.Get some good rest.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry やれやれ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries やれやれ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
