naku
/naˈku/
In Tagalog, naku is used to say "oh no".
naku is an exclamation used to express alarm. It is also frequently used to express exasperation or annoyance at a situation.
Meaning: exclamation of alarm (intj)
Which one should you use?
The colloquial form ay naku can be used to say "oh no". Other similar exclamations include Hala!, which translates to "Oh no!" or "Uh-oh!" and Ay sus!, which can mean "Oh no!" or "Oh dear!"
How do you pronounce it?
/naˈku/
Did you know?
- The exclamation naku is actually a shortened version of the phrase ina ko, which translates literally to 'my mother'.
- In the Philippines, saying naku is often accompanied by a specific physical gesture, such as placing a hand on the forehead or the chest, to signal the intensity of the shock.
- If you are extremely shocked, you might stretch the syllable ku in naku to be much longer. This elongation acts as a verbal gauge for the level of panic or trouble the speaker is facing.
Examples in context
- Ay naku! Nauubusan tayo ng gasolina.Oh, no! We're running out of gas.This sentence shows how to use naku when expressing alarm about running out of gas.Tatoeba #1658716 by nonong, translation #72150 by CM
- Naku!Oh no!This is a simple way to use naku as a standalone exclamation.Tatoeba #8635277 by artemio, translation #1299275 by CK
- Naku! Hindi ko napansin at naiwan ko ang aking cellphone sa restawran.Oh no! I wasn't paying attention and left my cell phone in the restaurant!This example shows naku being used when one realizes they have left something behind.Tatoeba #3555475 by mervert1, translation #53382 by CM
- Naku, hindi iyan maganda. May aberya ang ating plano.Oh no, that's not good. There's a glitch in our plan.
- Grabe, ano ito? Nasira ang computer ng biglaan.Oh no, what is this? The computer suddenly broke.
- Ayayay, iyak ako diyan! Nasunog ang ulam na niluto ko.Oh no, I'm crying about it! The meal I cooked got burned.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Jasmine and Mark are preparing to leave the house.
- JasmineNaku! Naiwan ko ang susi sa loob.Oh no! I left the keys inside.
- MarkSige, tingnan ko kung may ibang pinto.Okay, I'll see if there is another door.
- JasmineWala na, naka-lock lahat ng pinto.There are none, all the doors are locked.
- MarkHahanap tayo ng paraan, Jasmine.We will find a way, Jasmine.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “oh no” translations and entries naku, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries naku, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
