Japanese

Noun

はて ‎(romaji hate)

1. 果て, 果: the end, result
2. 涯: (rare) shore, horizon

Interjection

はて ‎(romaji hate)

1. dear me, wait a minute, well (at the start of a sentence), let me see

Usage notes

This interjection indicates surprise at something strange, and that the speaker is taking a moment to think about it.

Alternative forms

• はてな ‎(hatena)