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わい. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
わい, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
わい in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
わい you have here. The definition of the word
わい will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
わい, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
Japanese
Etymology 1
Generally regarded as a shift from わし (washi), itself from 私 (watashi, “I, me”).[1][2] First cited in a text from 1920,[1] but likely older.
The second-person sense of you likely arose via the same general indirection mechanisms that gave rise to all Japanese personal pronouns. Consider also ancient 汝 (na) or more modern 己 (onore), used for both first- and second-person referral. This usage is first cited in a text from 1923,[1] but is likely older.
Pronunciation
Pronoun
わい • (wai)
- (dialect, Kansai, Kagoshima; or Internet slang) I, me (first-person pronoun, mainly used by males)
- you (second-person pronoun, used when addressing an equal or inferior)
- Synonym: お前 (omae)
Etymology 2
See い (i).
Particle
わい • (wai)
- (dated or dialectal) A particle used in the end of sentences to indicate admiration or emotion. Slightly stronger than わ (wa).
Usage notes
Mainly used during the Edo period. Now only used by elderly males or in dialectal speech.
See also
Etymology 3
The reading of various kanji.
Affix
わい • (wai)
- 歪: askew; crooked
- 猥: obscene; lewd
- 隈: corner; nook; recess; inlet
- 矮: low; short
- 賄: bribe
- 穢: dirty
References