In casual Japanese, ‘Ari’ (あり) literally means ‘to exist’ or ‘to have.’ However, in modern slang, it is used to express that something is acceptable, ‘cool,’ or a viable choice. It is the opposite of ‘Nashi’ (none/not an option).
When you hear someone say ‘Ari!’, they are essentially giving a thumbs-up to an idea, a fashion choice, or a plan. It is a highly informal way to say ‘that works’ or ‘that is acceptable.’
Friend A: ‘Kono fuku, dou?’ (How is this outfit?)
Friend B: ‘Ari, ari!’ (Yeah, that’s a good choice!)
The term is extremely common among young people and is frequently used to validate suggestions during group hangouts. It signifies a level of flexibility and openness in social settings.
Pro-Tip: Because ‘Ari’ is very casual, avoid using it in professional settings or when speaking with superiors. In those cases, use formal language like ‘Yoroshii desu’ (that is acceptable).
For more insights into casual expressions, check out our guides on what ‘Ikeru’ means when discussing capability, or how to use the term ‘O-shari’ to describe someone’s style.
