なあ
Emotional Emphasis / Sigh
naa
TypeFinal
JLPT Leveln4
Summary
An emotional version of な expressing admiration, longing, regret, or thoughtful emphasis.
Usage Rules
- •Admiration: expresses deep feeling about something
- •Longing: 〜したいなあ = I really wish I could
- •Regret: 〜すればよかったなあ = I wish I had〜
- •Thoughtful: pondering or reflecting aloud
- •More emotional than な
- •Extended vowel adds emotional weight
Example Sentences
きれいだなあ。
It's so beautiful.
日本に行きたいなあ。
I really want to go to Japan.
もっとべんきょうすればよかったなあ。
I wish I had studied more.
今日はつかれたなあ。
I'm so tired today.
どうしようかなあ。
I wonder what to do.
Common Mistake
Using なあ in very formal situations (it is a casual, emotional particle).