Entry
おいおい
oioi
This word is used as a casual interjection to stop someone or express surprise, and also as a sound word for loud crying.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
As an interjection, it is a casual way to say hey or whoa when stopping someone, complaining, or reacting to something unreasonable. As a mimetic word, it represents the sound of loud, uncontrollable crying, often by an adult.
- Stopping/Surprise
- Loud crying
Sense Map
Stopping (Hey / Whoa)
Used casually to stop someone's action, complain, or show disbelief.
おいおい、ちょっと待ってくれ。
Crying (Boohoo)
Represents the sound of loud, uncontrollable crying and deep sorrow.
おいおいと泣き声をあげる。
Usage Note
How to Use
おいおいと + verb
Used with crying-related verbs to describe how someone cries with a loud voice.
おいおい、 + sentence
Used at the beginning of a sentence to get attention, stop an action, or express disbelief.
How to Use
Common Phrases
おいおいと泣く
cry loudly
おいおい泣き崩れる
break down crying loudly
おいおい、待てよ
hey, wait a minute
おいおい、冗談だろ
hey, you must be joking
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Stopping someone | casual, cautionary | Used when a friend says or does something unreasonable, carrying a light warning tone. |
| Crying | serious, emotional | Describes the sound of an adult breaking down and crying loudly without holding back their voice due to deep sorrow. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
しくしく しくしく / contrast | For quiet, restrained weeping without loud voices. | Not for loud, vocalized crying like おいおい. | しくしくと静かに泣く |
こら こら / contrast | For strictly scolding or aggressively stopping someone. | It is much harsher and angrier than a casual exclamation like おいおい. | こら、何をしている！ |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it to greet a friend meaning hello.
This word is not a greeting, but a way to stop someone or express surprise.
Using it to stop a boss or a teacher.
The word is very casual and sounds disrespectful when spoken to superiors.
Examples
Examples
彼はショックのあまり、床に座り込んでおいおいと泣き始めた。
かれはショックのあまり、ゆかにすわりこんでおいおいとなきはじめた。
He was so shocked that he sat on the floor and started crying loudly.
LiteralDescribes the loud sound of crying due to uncontrollable emotion.
おいおい、そんな嘘を信じるわけないだろ。
おいおい、そんなうそをしんじるわけないだろ。
Hey hey, there is no way I would believe such a lie.
LiteralUsed as a reaction of disbelief to a friend's statement.
おいおい、勝手に俺のケーキを食べないでくれよ。
おいおい、かってにおれのケーキをたべないでくれよ。
Whoa, do not just eat my cake without asking.
LiteralUsed to stop an action and deliver a light complaint.
葬儀の席で、彼女は人目も気にせずおいおい泣いていた。
そうぎのせきで、かのじょはひとめもきにせずおいおいないていた。
At the funeral, she was crying loudly without caring who saw her.
LiteralShows very loud crying caused by deep sorrow at a solemn event.
おいおい、急に走り出したら危ないよ。
おいおい、きゅうにはしりだしたらあぶないよ。
Wait a minute, it is dangerous to suddenly start running.
LiteralStopping someone from doing a reckless action.
Similar Words
こら
こら
For strictly scolding or aggressively stopping someone. It is much harsher and angrier than a casual exclamation like おいおい.
やいやい
yaiyai
This word describes nagging, demanding, or pressuring someone persistently and noisily.
しくしく
shikushiku
Describes the action of crying quietly or feeling a continuous, dull ache such as a stomachache. For quiet, restrained weeping without loud voices. Not for loud, vocalized crying like おいおい.
Questions
Can I use this word to say hello to my friends?
No. This word is not a greeting. It is used to stop someone or express surprise, similar to saying wait a minute.
Is this word polite?
No, it is very casual. Using it to a teacher or boss would sound rude and disrespectful.
Is this only used for human crying?
Yes, in the context of crying, it specifically represents the sound of a human crying loudly. It is not used for animals.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1631660
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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