איכס
ikhs/iχs/
In Hebrew, the English expression "ew" can be translated as איכס (ikhs). Wiktionary also lists איכסה (íkhsa) and פוי (fuy).
Meaning: expression of disgust or nausea (intj)
Ways to say it
| Hebrew | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| איכס | ikhs | /iχs/ (Modern Israeli) |
| איכסה | íkhsa | |
| פוי | fuy | |
| פויה | fuya | /ˈfuja/ (Modern Israeli) |
These terms are used to express disgust or nausea. איכס is typically used to react to something physical, such as a bad smell or a dirty object, while פוי is more closely associated with the sound of spitting and is often used to express disgust at a bad taste or a sudden unpleasant sensation.
Which one should you use?
איכס corresponds to "ew" and is used for physical disgust like smells or dirt. פוי corresponds to "ew" or "ptooey" and is used for bad tastes or sudden unpleasant sensations. איכסה is a more expressive version of איכס.
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding an 'a' sound to the end of איכס to make it איכסה is a common way to add emphasis or a more expressive, colloquial tone.
How do you pronounce it?
ikhs
Did you know?
- The expression פויה is actually a linguistic relative of the German word pfui, which is used to drive away evil or express disgust.
- Parents often use פוי to scold toddlers or pets when they touch something dirty, similar to saying 'yucky' in English.
- The word איכס is so versatile in Israeli slang that it can be used both for actual physical filth and for reacting to a social situation that is 'gross' or cringeworthy.
Examples in context
- איכס, יש כאן זבוב במרק.ikhes, yesh kan zvav bamark.Ew, there is a fly in the soup.
- איכס, כמה זה מלוח!ikhes, kama ze maluach!Ew, how salty this is!
- איכס, לא תגע בזה.ikhes, lo taga beze.Ew, don't touch that.
Example conversation
Maya and Noam are looking at a messy puddle on the sidewalk.
- מאיה Mayaאיכס, תראה מה זה!Ekhs, tir'eh ma ze!Ew, look what that is!
- נועם Noamזה נראה כמו שמן.Ze nir'ah kmo shemen.It looks like oil.
- מאיה Mayaבוא נלך ממכאן מהר.Bo nelekh mimkan maher.Let's get out of here quickly.
- נועם Noamאת צודקת, מאיה. בואי.At tzodeqet, Maya. Bo'i.You are right, Maya. Let's go.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ew” translations and entries איכס, פויה, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries איכס, פויה, CC BY-SA 4.0.
