1An interjection showing agreement or understanding, similar to 'I see' or 'right.'
「明日は休みになりました」「はあ、そうですか」
"Tomorrow's been made a holiday." "Ah, I see."
はあ、なるほど、そういう仕組みだったんですね。
Ah, I see — so that's how it works.
上司に説明されて、はあと頷いた。
After my boss explained it, I nodded and said "I see."
2A short exclamation of surprise, disbelief, or scorn — like 'ha!'
はあ、まさか彼が犯人だったなんて。
Ha — I can't believe he was the culprit.
「これで完璧だ」「はあ？何言ってるの」
"This is perfect now." "Ha? What are you talking about?"
3Used to ask someone to repeat themselves, or to express disbelief — similar to 'huh?' or 'what?'
「来月結婚するんだ」「はあ？本当に？」
"I'm getting married next month." "Huh? Really?"
声が小さくて聞き取れず、思わず「はあ？」と聞き返した。
His voice was too quiet to hear, so I instinctively said "Huh?"
4The sound of sighing, expressing tiredness, disappointment, or resignation.
はあ…今日も残業か。
Sigh... overtime again today.
彼女ははあとため息をついて、椅子に座り込んだ。
She sighed and sank into the chair.
試験の結果を見て、はあと肩を落とした。
Seeing the test results, I sighed and slumped my shoulders.