Attention and Scolding in Japanese

1. こら (kora)

Meaning: Hey! / Stop that!

Tone: Scolding / angry

Used when blaming or shouting at someone

Example:
こら！何してるの？
Kora! Nani shiteru no?
Hey! What are you doing?
=> Very rude; do not use in polite situations.

2. おい (oi)

Meaning: Hey!

Tone: Rough / strong (Often used by men)

Example:
おい！待て！
Oi! Mate!
Hey! Stop! / Hey! Wait!
=> Sounds aggressive; avoid in formal situations.

3. ねえ (nee)

Meaning: Hey / Excuse me (casual)

Tone: Soft / friendly

Used between friends or people close to each other

Example:
ねえ、ちょっと聞いて。
Nee, chotto kiite.
Hey, listen for a moment.

4. あら (ara)

Meaning: Oh / Oh my!

Tone: Gentle surprise

Commonly used by women

Example:
あら、もうこんな時間？
Ara, mō konna jikan?
Oh my, is it already this late?

5. まあ (maa)

Meaning: Well / Oh

Tone: Calm / mild reaction

Often used to soften a situation

Example:
まあ、落ち着いて。
Maa, ochitsuite.
Well, calm down.

6. ちょっと (chotto)

Meaning: Hey / Wait a moment

Tone: Neutral

Can be polite or casual depending on context

Example:
ちょっと待ってください。
Chotto matte kudasai.
Please wait a moment.

7. すみません (sumimasen)

Meaning: Excuse me / Sorry

Tone: Polite / safe

Suitable for all situations

Example:
すみません、質問してもいいですか？
Sumimasen, shitsumon shite mo ii desu ka?
Excuse me, may I ask a question?

Quick Comparison (from rude → polite)

Very rough: こら / おい

Casual & friendly: ねえ

Neutral: ちょっと

Polite & safe: すみません

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