ほら
hora[ho̞ɾa̠]
The English phrase "you see" can be translated into Japanese as ほら (hora).
ほら is an exclamation used to draw someone's attention to something or to point something out. It can function as a command like "Look!" or "Hey!" to direct someone's gaze to a physical object. Additionally, it serves as a discourse marker or filler used to introduce an explanation, functioning similarly to the English "You see…"
Which one should you use?
While ほら can be used to grab attention for a physical object, it is also used as a marker to introduce explanations. If you want to specifically say "See? I told you so", specifically when a prediction or warning you made comes true, you should use the form ほらね.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ほら is an informal exclamation and should be avoided when speaking to superiors or in formal business settings. In casual conversations among friends, you might use なんかね to mean "you see" or "you know." For formal settings, if you want to express agreement or acknowledge a viewpoint (equivalent to "you see, that's right"), use そうですね. For a formal way to say "if you look" or "if you see," use the honorific form ご覧になると.
How do you pronounce it?
hora
Did you know?
- Even though ほら is used to draw attention, it is rarely used in written Japanese literature unless it is part of a character's spoken dialogue.
- When using ほら to encourage someone to do something, it can function as a gentle nudge, similar to saying 'come on' in English.
- The phrase ほらね is often accompanied by a specific nodding gesture or a slight tilt of the head to emphasize the 'I told you so' sentiment.
Examples in context
- ほらね、雨が降っているよ。It is raining, you see.This example uses ほら to point out a current state of affairs.Tatoeba #195952 by bunbuku, translation #33127 by orcrist
- ほら、付き合ったばっかりの頃ってベタベタしたいじゃない？You see, when you have just started a relationship, you want to be close to each other, don't you?This example uses ほら to introduce an explanation regarding a relationship.Tatoeba #76428 by Sim5634, translation #327292 by Hautis
- この資料をご覧になると、情報がより詳しく分かります。If you take a look at this document, you will understand the information more thoroughly.
- なんかね、夏休みの計画、もう考えた？You know, have you already thought about your summer vacation plans?
Example conversation
Kenta and Yui are walking in a park.
- 健太 Kentaほら、あそこに猫がいるよ。Hora, asoko ni neko ga iru yo.Look, there is a cat over there.
- 結衣 Yui本当だ、可愛いね！Hontou da, kawaii ne!You're right, it's cute!
- 健太 Kenta結衣、もっと近くで見よう。Yui, motto chikaku de miyou.Yui, let's go look closer.
- 結衣 Yuiうん、行こう！Un, ikou!Yeah, let's go!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ほら, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
