うわっ
uwa
The Japanese word for "eww" is うわっ (uwa).
うわっ is an exclamation used to express disgust or a strong dislike toward something unpleasant. It can be used for physical disgust, such as seeing a bug, as well as to express psychological shock or surprise.
Which one should you use?
While うわっ is a general exclamation of disgust or shock, げっ is specifically an informal expression of disgust and きもい is an informal way to express disgust when something is gross or creepy.
How do you pronounce it?
uwa
Did you know?
- To express a deeper level of disgust than うわっ, speakers may use おえっ, which is an onomatopoeia for the actual sound of gagging.
- In certain contexts, the expression うわっ can be used to react to something surprisingly good, such as an unexpectedly delicious piece of food. This is similar to how an English speaker might say 'wow' in a state of shock.
- In manga or anime, the written form of うわっ often uses small 'tsu' characters っ to indicate a sudden glottal stop. This visual cue tells the reader that the disgust was an instantaneous, reflexive reaction.
Examples in context
- 魚の生臭さが嫌です。I find the smell of raw fish disgusting.
- うわっ！このゴミ箱にゴキブリがいるよ！Eww! There's a cockroach in this trash can!
- げっ、この飲み物まずい！Eww, this drink tastes awful!
- その映画、すごくきもくて、見れなかったよ。That movie was so gross, I couldn't watch it.
- うわっ、このにおい、すごい。Uwatsu, kono nioi, sugoi.Eww, this smell is intense.
- うわっ、虫がいる！Uwatsu, mushi ga iru!Eww, there's a bug!
Example conversation
Yui and Ren are looking at a dirty puddle on the street.
- 結衣 Yuiうわっ、この水、すごく汚いよ。Uwatsu, kono mizu, sugoku kitanai yo.Eww, this water is really dirty.
- 蓮 Ren本当だ。近づかないほうがいいよ。Hontou da. Chikazukanai hou ga ii yo.You're right. Better not go near it.
- 結衣 Yui蓮くん、足元に気をつけて。Ren-kun, ashimoto ni ki o tsukete.Ren, watch your step.
- 蓮 Renわかってるよ、結衣。Wakatteru yo, Yui.I know, Yui.
