If you have already watched or read JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure in Japanese, you would know the iconic phrase by Jotaro Kujo: “やれやれ” -pronounced “Yare Yare.”
The phrase is translated to interpretations such as “well, well,” “good grief,” and “give me a break.” It is a common expression in Japan used to show disappointment and is also a sarcastic expression of feeling bad for the other person.
“Frustration” by music2work2 is licensed under CC BY 2.0
In the anime/manga community, “yare yare” is a popular phrase from the renowned JoJo memes. Often featured on social media with an image of Jotaro Kujo shaking his head. -If you have watched The King of the Hill, you can interpret “Yare Yare” as a version of Hank Hill’s “That Boy ain’t Right.”
How is ”Yare Yare” Used in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure?
”やれやれだぜ” -pronounced “Yare Yare Daze” is the quote repeated many times by Jotaro Kujo. When he uses it in the anime/manga, he’s typically implying that he is annoyed or bored. So it could mean that he is looking down on his enemy, which suggests his victory. Similar to the expression “what a pain” in English. These are some of the iconic “Yare Yare” quotes in the series:
Kujo Jotaro: やれやれ うるせえ男だ
“Good grief, what a loud guy”
episode 21 “Anubis God” page 77Jean:・・・承太郎！
“…Jotaro!”
Kujo Jotaro: やれやれだぜ
“Well Well”episode 27 “World of Dio” page 79
How do you use “Yare Yare” in real life?
Before attempting to use the phrase in a conversation with a Japanese friend, make sure they are someone who is NOT your superior or elderly. If you have lived in Japan for a while, you could be familiar with the “Senpai-Kohai” culture. As part of the social manner in Japan, we should respect and be polite when speaking with elders.
With peace and love, here are two scenarios where you can apply the phrase “Yare Yare”. The conversations are between you and a Japanese friend or colleague.
Scenario 1: Your friend recently broke their heart
You: 顔色悪いね。どうしたの？
“You seem pale. What happened?”
Your friend: 最近、彼氏と別れたから落ち込んでるの。
“I recently broke up with my boyfriend. That is why I’m sad.”
You: やれやれ、あれほど言ったのに。
“Yare Yare, I’ve told you so.”
“heart break…” by gnosis / john r is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Scenario 2: Your colleague is upset at work
You: さっきのプレゼンテーション、上手く行った？
“Did you do well on the presentation earlier?”
Your friend: 緊張していて上手くいかなかった。
“It didn’t go well because I was nervous.”
You: そうなのね、やれやれ。
“I see, Yare Yare.”
“Reef offices, Paris, June 2000” by simonov is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
You’ve come to the end of this article; now you know one extra useful phrase in Japanese. If you’re seeking a Bizarre Adventure in Japan, take this opportunity to use “Yare Yare” in a conversation with a Japanese fellow.