Translation guide
An exclamation of joy, celebration, or approval. Japanese uses several interjections depending on formality, context, and enthusiasm.
Expressing joy or excitement in a casual, enthusiastic way, similar to 'hooray!' or 'yay!'
A very common casual exclamation meaning 'I did it!' or 'Yay!'. Used when something good happens.
やった！試験に合格した！
Hooray! I passed the exam!
Literally 'ten thousand years', used as a celebratory cheer, often with arms raised. Can be used in groups.
万歳！日本が勝った！
Hooray! Japan won!
A cute, childlike exclamation of delight. Often used by children or in lighthearted situations.
わーい、プレゼントだ！
Hooray, a present!
A loanword from English 'yay', used in very casual, trendy contexts, especially among young people.
いえい！遊園地に行こう！
Yay! Let's go to the amusement park!
A more formal or collective cheer, often used in ceremonies, toasts, or organized celebrations.
Means 'cheers!' when raising glasses. The standard toast in Japan, equivalent to 'hooray' in celebratory drinking contexts.
乾杯！おめでとう！
Cheers! Congratulations!
A formal threefold cheer of 'banzai', often led at ceremonies or political rallies.
万歳三唱を行います。
We will now give three cheers.
Expressing 'hooray' with sarcasm, disappointment, or lack of enthusiasm.
An interjection of relief or mild exasperation, sometimes used sarcastically like 'oh joy'.
やれやれ、また残業か。
Oh joy, overtime again.
An expression of disappointment or resignation, similar to a deflated 'hooray...'
あーあ、雨が降ってきた。
Oh great, it started raining.
やった is a personal, spontaneous exclamation of success or happiness. 万歳 is a more formal, often group-oriented cheer, sometimes performed with raised arms. Use やった for everyday victories, 万歳 for celebrations or ceremonies.
やった！宝くじが当たった！
Hooray! I won the lottery!
万歳！新元号が発表された！
Banzai! The new era name has been announced!
いえい is very casual and can sound childish or overly trendy. It's best reserved for informal, youthful contexts. In most situations, やった is safer.
やった！試合に勝った！
Hooray! We won the game!
やった！やっと金曜日だ！
Hooray! It's finally Friday!