おい
おい
interjection
hey
1.
hey, oi
An interjection used to get someone's attention or express surprise. Typically used by men and considered casual or rough.
おい、待てよ！
Hey, wait!
おい、大丈夫か？
Hey, are you okay?
おい、何やってるんだ？
Hey, what are you doing?
おい is a casual, masculine interjection used to get someone's attention. It ranges from friendly to confrontational depending on tone and context.
USES:
1. Getting attention: おい、聞いてるか？ (Hey, are you listening?)
2. Calling out: おい、待て！ (Hey, wait!)
3. Surprise/disbelief: おいおい (hey hey, come on — used when something unexpected happens)
REGISTER:
- Informal and masculine. Primarily used by men speaking to equals or those of lower status.
- Can sound aggressive or rude if used with strangers or superiors.
- Women generally use ねえ or ちょっと instead.
- Not used in formal or polite situations.
SIMILAR INTERJECTIONS:
- ねえ: hey (gender-neutral, softer)
- ちょっと: hey, excuse me (politer)
- よう: hey, yo (casual, masculine)