Illustration: An older resident kneels beside a row of flowerpots outside their home, holding a small watering can. As they reach toward an apparently empty pot, they discover a kitten curled snugly inside it. Their hand pauses halfway forward; their eyebrows lift, lips part slightly, and a gentle smile begins.

JLPT N3interjectionLevel estimated by Bebop

おや

oya

oh, my

A mild, somewhat old-fashioned expression of surprise. Note written by AI.

Example sentences

  1. おや、今朝けさは早はやいですね。

    Oh, you are early this morning.

    Tatoeba · CC BY 2.0 FR · Source

  2. おやまあ、なんて大おおきな箱はこなの。

    My heavens, what an enormous box!

    Tatoeba · CC BY 2.0 FR · Source

  3. おや、彼女かのじょはうれしくて泣ないているの？

    Oh my! Is she weeping for joy?

    Tatoeba · CC BY 2.0 FR · Source

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The Bebop new tab showing 音楽, music, over an illustration of a family playing music at home, with three example sentences
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