heu
[ˈhɛu̯]
The English phrase 'alas' can be translated into Latin using heu, eheu or vae.
Meaning: exclamation of sorrow, etc. (intj)
Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA |
|---|---|
| heu | [ˈhɛu̯] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈɛːu̯] (narrow) |
| eheu | [ˈeː.(ɦ)ɛu̯] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈe.(ɦ)ɛu̯] (Classical Latin, narrow) |
| vae | [ˈwae̯] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈvɛː] (narrow) |
These interjections are typically used as standalone exclamations in poetry or drama to express sudden emotional distress.
What does it mean word for word?
The form eheu is a common variant of heu used to intensify the expression of grief or lamentation.
Which one should you use?
While heu is a general exclamation of sorrow, vae is often used to express 'woe to [someone]' or to signal an impending calamity.
Did you know?
- The English word 'oho' might share a distant linguistic lineage with the Latin heu, as both are rooted in primitive human exclamations.
- In classical Latin drama, these exclamations were often used as rhythmic tools to mark the height of a character's emotional breakdown.
- Unlike English 'alas', which can be used casually, eheu was heavily associated with the formal high style of Latin poetry.
Examples in context
- Heu.Alas.Tatoeba #5975343 by CarpeLanam, translation #858123 by Vulgaris
- "Heu, quis te casus dejectam conjuge tanto / excipit, aut quæ digna satis fortuna revisit? / Hectoris, Andromache, Pyrrhin' connubia servas?"Alas! what lot is thine? What worthy fate / hath caught thee, fallen from a spouse so high? / Hector's Andromache, art thou the mate / of Pyrrhus?This example shows heu used in a poetic context regarding fate and loss.Tatoeba #7050324 by carlosalberto, translation #7050327 by carlosalberto
- Heu, amicus meus mortuus est.Alas, my friend has died.
Example conversation
Lucius tells Aurelia that his favorite plant has died.
- LuciusHeu, planta mea periit.Alas, my plant has died.
- AureliaQuare non eam registi?Why did you not water it?
- LuciusOblitus sum.I forgot.
- AureliaDolor iste magnus est.That is a great sorrow.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “alas” translations and entries heu, eheu, vae, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries eheu, heu, vae, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
