ああ

ああ
adverb, interjection
that way, like that; oh, ah
1. that way, like that (distant)
Refers to a manner or state distant from both speaker and listener. Part of the ko-so-a-do demonstrative system.
I want to become that kind of person.
ああいう = that kind of
It was my first time seeing someone cook like that.
ああやって = like that, that way
ああしてこうして完成(かんせい)した。
By doing this and that, it was completed.
Always having a retort for everything.
It's not good for children to talk like that.
ああいう = that kind of
2. oh, ah (interjection)
An exclamation expressing various emotions like realization, satisfaction, or disappointment.
ああ、そうです
Oh, is that so?
Interjection showing realization
ああ、(つか)れた
Ah, I'm tired.
Expressing a feeling
Oh, I remember! That person is someone I met last year.
Interjection showing sudden realization
ああ、おいしかった
Ah, that was delicious.
Oh, what a pity!
ああ、よかった
Oh, that's a relief.

ああ belongs to the ko-so-a-do system: こう (this way), そう (that way, near listener), ああ (that way, far from both). As an interjection, it can express realization, relief, disappointment, or other emotions depending on tone.

Common patterns:

  • ああいう (that kind of)
  • ああやって (like that, doing it that way).