やれやれ
yareyare[ja̠ɾe̞ja̠ɾe̞]
やれやれ (yareyare) is the Japanese phrase for yare yare.
This interjection is used to convey a mix of exasperation, incredulity and resignation. Depending on the context, it can function as a way to say "good grief", "whew" or "thank goodness". It is used to express relief after a difficult situation or to signal exasperation and fatigue when facing a nuisance.
How do you pronounce it?
yareyare
Did you know?
- The word やれ is the imperative form of the verb やる, which can mean 'to do' or 'to give', though the meaning is lost when the word is reduplicated into this interjection.
- In many anime series, the phrase is often associated with the character Jotaro Kujo from 'JoJo's Bizarre Adventure', where it is used to signal his characteristic cool detachment and stoicism.
- Using やれやれ in a professional setting toward a superior can be perceived as rude, as it suggests the speaker is burdened or annoyed by the superior's requests.
Examples in context
- やれやれ、やっと終わった。yare yare, yatto owatta.Phew, it's finally finished.
- やれやれ、また雨か。yare yare, mata ame ka.Good grief, rain again.
- やれやれ、困ったものだ。yare yare, komatta mono da.Goodness, this is a problem.
Example conversation
Misaki and Hiroto have just finished a long day of cleaning.
- 美咲 Misakiやれやれ、全部片付いたね。Yare yare, zenbu kataduita ne.Phew, everything is finally tidied up.
- 大翔 Hiroto本当だね。疲れたよ。Hontou da ne. Tsukareta yo.You're right. I'm exhausted.
- 美咲 Misakiゆっくり休みましょう。Yukkuri yasumimashou.Let's take a good rest.
- 大翔 Hirotoそうだね。そうしよう。Sou da ne. Sou shiyou.Yeah. Let's do that.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry やれやれ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
