jaaha

Finnish

Etymology

Extension of jaa; compare jaa-a.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈjɑːhɑ/, [ˈjɑ̝ːɦɑ̝]
• Rhymes: -ɑːhɑ
• Hyphenation^(key): jaa‧ha

Interjection

jaaha (informal)

1. well, uh-huh, oh

Usage notes

Common uses:

• something is different or turns out to be different than you think (mild surprise)

  Jaaha, niin kai sitten. ― Oh, I guess that is how it is then.

• expressing exasperation

  Jaaha, taas mennään. ― Oh no, here we go again.

• bringing up a new topic, especially to confront someone

  Jaaha, menit sitten niin tekemään. ― Well then, you went and did that.

• wanting to somewhat dismiss something someone has said

  "Sinun pitäisi syödä vähemmän." "Jaaha." ― "You should eat less." "Uh-huh."

All uses, especially the last two, can be emphasized with jaahas.

Further reading

• “jaaha”, in Kielitoimiston sanakirja [Dictionary of Contemporary Finnish]‎^[1] (in Finnish) (online dictionary, continuously updated), Kotimaisten kielten keskuksen verkkojulkaisuja 35, Helsinki: Kotimaisten kielten tutkimuskeskus (Institute for the Languages of Finland), 2004–, retrieved 2023-07-02

Ingrian

Etymology

Extension of ja (“yes”). Akin to Finnish jaaha.

Pronunciation

• (Ala-Laukaa) IPA^(key): /ˈjɑːhɑ/, [ˈjɑːh]
• (Soikkola) IPA^(key): /ˈjɑːhɑ/, [ˈjɑːhɑ]
• Rhymes: -ɑːh, -ɑːhɑ
• Hyphenation: jaa‧ha

Interjection

jaaha

1. uh-huh, yup

References

• Ruben E. Nirvi (1971) Inkeroismurteiden Sanakirja, Helsinki: Suomalais-Ugrilainen Seura, page 104