ué
/uˈɛ/
In Portuguese, 'huh' can be expressed in several ways depending on the context, with ué being the default form. Wiktionary also lists como and hã.
Meaning: expressing doubt or confusion (intj)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA |
|---|---|
| ué | /uˈɛ/ (Brazil) /ˈwɛ/ (Brazil) |
| como | /ˈkõ.mu/ (Brazil) /ˈko.mu/ (Portugal) |
| hã | /ˈɐ̃/ (Brazil) /ˈɐ̃/ (Portugal) |
The expression of 'huh' in Portuguese varies based on whether you are expressing surprise, asking for repetition or seeking confirmation. ué is used to express surprise, confusion or to signal that something unexpected or nonsensical has just happened. hã is primarily used as a request for repetition when you did not hear someone clearly.
Which one should you use?
While ué expresses confusion at a situation, hã is primarily used as a request for repetition when you didn't hear someone clearly. The particle hein is used at the end of sentences to seek confirmation or to draw attention to a point, similar to the English 'huh?' or 'right?'
How do you pronounce it?
/uˈɛ/
Did you know?
- The interjection ué is so distinct to Portuguese that it often lacks a direct equivalent in other Romance languages like Spanish or French.
- In Brazil, ué can be used as a subtle way to tell someone they are being illogical without explicitly calling them wrong.
- The word como can function as a 'huh' when used as a question to ask 'How?', but it is also a direct descendant of the Latin 'quōmodo', which literally means 'in what manner'.
Examples in context
- Como é, está gostando?You like it, huh?Tatoeba #2707868 by carlosalberto, translation #20389 by CK
- Como nós amamos vocês, nós estamos atualizando o Tatoeba para lhes trazer uma experiência de usuário melhor. Viram? A gente ama vocês, hein?Because we love you, we are updating Tatoeba to bring you a better user experience. See? We love you huh?Tatoeba #786739 by alvren, translation #398850 by Scott
- Ele desistiu do trabalho. – O quê?He quit his job. – Huh? / What?
- Vamos sair amanhã à noite. – Hein?We're going out tomorrow night. – Huh?
- A festa será na casa dela. – Ahn?The party will be at her place. – Huh?
- Vou te contar uma novidade. – Como assim?I'm going to tell you some news. – Huh? / What do you mean?
- Ué, cadê a chave do carro?Huh, where are the car keys?
Example conversation
Mariana is surprised that Gabriel is already leaving.
- MarianaUé, Gabriel, você já vai embora?Huh, Gabriel, are you leaving already?
- GabrielSim, tenho um compromisso agora.Yes, I have an appointment now.
- MarianaMas a festa começou agora!But the party just started!
- GabrielEu sei, mas é urgente.I know, but it's urgent.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “huh” translations and entries ué, como, hã, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries como, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
