Japanese grammar
What does ～やら～やら mean? Japanese grammar N2
～やら～やら means what with… and… (a jumble of many things).
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N2 |
|---|---|
| Structure | N + やら + N + やら Vる + やら + Vる + やら |
| Romaji | yara yara |
| Meaning | what with… and… (a jumble of many things) |
Forming it
| Noun | 宿題／掃除 → 宿題やら掃除やら |
|---|---|
| Verb | 泣く／笑う → 泣くやら笑うやら |
How to use it
Lists a few representative things out of a jumbled mess. Always carries a sense of hassle or confusion.
- 「AやらBやら」 = what with A, what with B: 「宿題やら掃除やら、やることが多くて大変だ」.
- Different from 「とか」 (a neutral listing): 「やら」 always carries a nuance of CONFUSION, exhaustion, or mixed emotions — 「うれしいやら恥ずかしいやら」.
- The second clause is usually 「大変だ・忙しい・分からない」.
Examples
宿題やら掃除やら、やることが多くて大変だ。
Homework, cleaning — there is so much to do it is exhausting.
合格を知って、うれしいやら信じられないやらで、涙が出た。
Learning I passed, I was happy and disbelieving all at once, and I cried.
Keep in mind
- Carries a sense of confusion/hassle.
- Both clauses are the same part of speech.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong（会議で）課題やら予算やら、ご報告します。
I would like to report on the issues and the budget.
Correct（会議で）課題や予算などについてご報告します。
In formal writing/speech, use 「や／など」; 「やら」 carries a nuance of confusion/disarray.
-
Wrong野菜やら、果物を買った。
I bought all sorts of things — vegetables, fruit, you name it.
Correct野菜やら果物やら、いろいろ買った。
「やら」 must appear in both clauses.
Exam tips
- 「やら～やら」 = what with… (confusion/hassle); 「やら」 must appear in both clauses.