If you have spent time around babies in Japan, you have almost certainly heard the phrase “inai inai baa” (いないいないばあ). It is one of the first things Japanese parents and caregivers say to babies — and the reaction it gets is almost always the same: a big, delighted smile.
But what does it actually mean?
The Literal Meaning
Inai inai baa (いないいないばあ) is the Japanese version of peekaboo.
Breaking it down word by word: “inai inai” (いないいない) means “not here, not here” or “gone, gone” — from the verb iru (いる), meaning “to exist” or “to be present.” “Baa” (ばあ) is the sound of the reveal — the Japanese equivalent of “boo!”
So the full phrase roughly translates as “gone, gone… boo!” It perfectly captures the rhythm of the game: hiding, then appearing again with a surprise.
How the Game Is Played
Just like peekaboo, inai inai baa involves covering your face with your hands, a cloth, or by turning away — and then suddenly revealing yourself with an enthusiastic “baa!”
The game is usually accompanied by an exaggerated, warm expression when the face is revealed. Japanese parents often draw out the “inai inai” part slowly to build anticipation, making the “baa” moment even more exciting for the baby.
Why Babies Love It
Around the middle of babyhood, babies begin to develop what is known as object permanence — the understanding that people and objects continue to exist even when they cannot be seen. Before this stage develops, a hidden face genuinely seems to disappear. As object permanence develops, the reappearance becomes funny and exciting rather than confusing.
This is why inai inai baa suddenly becomes hilarious to babies at a certain age — they are starting to understand that you were there all along, and the surprise of the reveal becomes a delightful game.
A Tradition With Deep Roots
Inai inai baa has been played in Japan for well over a hundred years. Written records of the phrase date back more than a century, making it one of the most enduring pieces of Japanese baby culture.
It is also the name of one of Japan’s most beloved baby books — the iconic “Inai Inai Baa” by Matsutani Miyoko, illustrated with simple, warm images designed specifically to capture a baby’s attention. It has been a staple of Japanese nurseries for generations.
A Small Word That Carries a Lot of Joy
What we love about inai inai baa is how universal the feeling is — the same delight a baby feels at peekaboo in any language — wrapped in a distinctly Japanese sound and tradition. It is one of those small, everyday moments of Japanese baby life that feels genuinely worth knowing about.
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