Translation guide
An informal exclamation used to get someone's attention, express surprise, or show annoyance. In Japanese, the equivalent is often 'おい', but usage and politeness differ.
You want to shout to someone to get their attention, often in a casual or urgent way.
The most direct equivalent, used by males in casual situations. Can sound rough or impolite if used with strangers or superiors.
Using おい with someone of higher status or strangers can be rude. It's best reserved for close friends or in urgent situations.
おい、ちょっと待って。
Oi, wait a moment.
おい、何してるんだ？
Oi, what are you doing?
A softer, more gender-neutral way to get attention, similar to 'hey'. Can be used by anyone, but still casual.
ねえ、聞いてる？
Hey, are you listening?
Literally 'a little', but used as an interjection to get attention, like 'hey' or 'excuse me'. More polite than おい.
ちょっと、そこの人！
Hey, you there!
A hesitant 'excuse me' or 'um' used to politely get someone's attention, often before a request.
あのう、すみません。
Um, excuse me.
You suddenly notice something or are surprised, similar to 'oh!' or 'whoa!'.
Can be used to express surprise, but often with a nuance of disbelief or annoyance. Still casual and masculine.
おい、冗談だろ？
Oi, you're joking, right?
A mild expression of surprise or noticing something, like 'oh?' or 'huh'. More neutral and polite than おい.
A short exclamation of surprise or sudden realization, like 'ah!' or 'oh!'.
あっ、忘れた！
Ah, I forgot!
You are irritated and want to express that sharply, like 'oi!' as a reprimand.
Used to scold or express strong annoyance. Very direct and can be confrontational.
This can easily escalate a situation. Use only with close friends or in very informal settings.
おい、ふざけるな！
Oi, don't mess around!
A sharp 'hey!' used to scold or warn someone, often by a superior or parent. Stronger than おい.
こら、やめなさい！
Hey, stop that!
おい is primarily used by men in casual, rough speech. Women may use it but it can sound very tomboyish or aggressive. In polite company, avoid it entirely and use あのう or すみません to get attention.
すみません、落としましたよ。
Excuse me, you dropped this.
おい is rough and masculine; ねえ is softer and gender-neutral; ちょっと is more like 'hey' in a slightly reproachful or urgent way, but still casual. For polite attention-getting, use あのう or すみません.
Oh, it's started raining.