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interjection Uncommon

hah

hah
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Hah (interjection) means an exclamation expressing mild surprise, realization, or amusement. Example: “Hah, I knew you'd say that!”

interjection
1
An exclamation expressing mild surprise, realization, or amusement.
"Hah, I knew you'd say that!"
"Hah, so that's where I left my keys all along!"
"Hah! Look at that, the cat has beaten us to the sofa again."

How to use hah

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA short exclamation of surprise or amused realization, similar to "ha" or "huh."

When to use it

Informal, used mainly in speech and casual writing.

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_____, I knew you'd say that!

Etymology

Hah is borrowed from Hokkien 哈 (hâⁿ).

Rhymes for hah

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Frequently asked questions

What does “hah” mean?
The word “hah” means an exclamation expressing mild surprise, realization, or amusement. In plain terms, a short exclamation of surprise or amused realization, similar to "ha" or "huh.".
How do you pronounce “hah”?
“Hah” is pronounced hah (/hɑː˨/ in IPA).
How do you use “hah” in a sentence?
Here is “hah” used in a sentence: “Hah, I knew you'd say that!”
What part of speech is “hah”?
“Hah” is an interjection.
Is “hah” a common word?
“Hah” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between hah and ha?
Hah and ha are both exclamations, but hah often carries a slightly stronger or more drawn-out tone of realization, surprise, or wry amusement, while ha is more commonly linked to laughter. In casual writing the two are frequently used interchangeably.
When would you use hah instead of haha?
Hah is typically used as a single exclamation expressing sudden realization, mild surprise, or a dry sense of amusement, rather than genuine sustained laughter, which is better conveyed by "haha" or "ha ha." Hah works well as a short reaction, such as when a point finally clicks or an ironic detail lands.
Is hah formal or informal?
Hah is an informal interjection, most at home in casual speech, dialogue, and text messages rather than formal writing.

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