よう

Japanese

Adjectival noun

よう (-na inflection, rōmaji yō)

1. Alternative form of 様.

Verb

よう (rōmaji you)

1. (auxiliary) Expressing one's will to do something.

   そろそろ寝 (ね)よう。

   Sorosoro neyō.

   I go to bed before long.

   そうしよう。

   Sōshiyō.

   I will do so.

2. (auxiliary) Inducing or stimulating other person to do something.

   さあ、始 (はじ)めよう。

   Sā, hajimeyō.

   Let's get started.

Interjection

よう (rōmaji yō)

1. A very informal greeting similar to yo.

   よう、元 (げん)気 (き)？

   Yō, genki?

   Yo! Howdy?

2. A very informal (rude) interjection similar to hey.

   よう、待 (ま)てよ。

   Yō, mateyo.

   Hey, wait.

Usage notes

Women or gentlemen generally use ねえ (nē) instead of よう (yō). よう (yō) is masculine but gives a rude impression at times; ねえ (nē) is more graceful.

Synonyms

• やあ (yā)
• ねえ (nē)
• オッス (ossu)

Noun

よう (rōmaji yō)

1. 用: business, engagement
2. 陽: yang, sun, light
3. 癰: carbuncle

Verb

よう (godan conjugation, rōmaji you)

1. 酔う: to get drunk

Kanji reading

よう (romaji yō)

1. 洋: ocean
2. 要: the main point
3. 幼: juvenile
4. 八: eight
5. 楊: aspen