Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| guácala | /ˈɡwakala/ | |
| puaj | /ˈpwax/ | |
| puaf | /ˈpwaf/ | |
| iw | ||
| huácala | /ˈw̝akala/ | |
| aj | /ax/ (from spelling rules) | |
| fo mierda | /fo mjeɾda/ (from spelling rules) | |
| íu | /iu/ (from spelling rules) | |
| guácale | /ɡwakale/ (from spelling rules) | Latin America |
These expressions are used to convey disgust, nausea or a reaction to something physically revolting, such as a bad smell or a bad taste. While these interjections are common, you can also use the phrase ¡Qué asco! to say 'How disgusting!' or the more formal Me produce rechazo. to say 'It disgusts me.'
Which one should you use?
puaj is a standard, onomatopoeic way to express disgust that is widely understood across all Spanish-speaking regions. In contrast, guácala is more emphatic and is often used by children or in very informal settings.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
guácala is a colloquial term. Other forms like puaj, puaf, iw, huácala, aj, fo mierda, íu are also available to express various levels of revulsion.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, guácala is a common way to say 'Yuck!' or 'Ew!' In parts of Latin America, you may also hear the variation guácale. In Spain, people often use the expression ¡Ay, qué ascazo! to mean 'Oh, how disgusting!'
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɡwakala/
Did you know?
- While guácala is the standard for disgust in Mexico and Central America, someone from Spain might find it sounds like something out of a dubbed movie or a cartoon rather than natural speech.
- The word asco in the phrase ¡Qué asco! can describe not just a bad smell, but also a deep moral disgust for someone's behavior.
- You can use the expression guácala sarcastically to mock someone who is acting like a 'diva' or being too picky.
Examples in context
- ¡Puaj! Esta comida tiene un sabor horrible.Ew! This food tastes awful.
- ¡Qué asco! No puedo creer que hayas tocado eso.How disgusting! I can't believe you touched that.
- ¡Bleh! No puedo comer eso, tiene un olor horrible.Yuck! I can't eat that, it has a horrible smell.
- ¡Guácala! Esta leche está agria.Ew! This milk is sour.
- Guácala, qué olor tan feo.Ew, what a bad smell.
- Ese insecto es enorme, ¡guácala!That insect is huge, ew!
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are looking at some old food in the fridge.
- DanielDaniel, mira este queso.Daniel, look at this cheese.
- Elena¡Guácala! Tiene mucho moho.Ew! It has a lot of mold.
- DanielQué asco, hay que tirarlo.How gross, we have to throw it away.
- ElenaSí, rápido, antes de que huela peor.Yes, quickly, before it smells worse.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ew” translations and entries guácala, puaj, puaf, huácala, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
