まじかよ
まじかよ
expression
are you serious?, no way
1.
are you serious?, no way, for real?
An exclamation expressing strong surprise, disbelief, or shock. Predominantly used by male speakers. Can be directed at someone or used as a reaction to a situation.
「テスト、来週だって」「まじかよ」
"The test is next week, apparently." "Are you serious?"
財布を忘れた。まじかよ。
I forgot my wallet. You've got to be kidding me.
「彼女、来月海外に引っ越すらしいよ」「まじかよ、知らなかった」
"She's apparently moving abroad next month." "No way, I had no idea."
まじかよ is composed of まじ (serious) + か (question) + よ (emphasis). It is a strong exclamation of surprise, common in casual male speech.
GENDER AND REGISTER:
まじかよ is masculine and quite blunt. Equivalent expressions used more broadly:
- まじで？: gender-neutral surprise
- まじか: less emphatic, gender-neutral
- うそでしょ: "you're joking" — common among women
- 本当に？: neutral/polite surprise
TONE:
Depending on intonation, まじかよ can express:
- Shocked disbelief (rising intonation)
- Disappointed frustration (falling intonation)
- Impressed amazement (drawn out: まじかよ〜)
COMMON RESPONSE PATTERNS:
- まじかよ → まじだよ / まじまじ (confirming it's serious)
- まじかよ → うん、まじで (yeah, for real)
Related Words
Related:
マジ (seriously)