うっ
u'
The Japanese interjection うっ (u') corresponds to the English "oof".
うっ is an interjection used to express a sudden reaction to physical pain, a mental shock or being overwhelmed by something (like a high price or bad news).
Meaning: expressing sympathy at another's pain, shock at a high price, etc. (intj)
How do you pronounce it?
u'
Did you know?
- While うっ is a sound of shock, the similar sound うわ is used when the shock is positive or a surprise is larger in scale.
- In Japanese manga, the written form うっ is often accompanied by small, jagged speech bubbles to visually represent the 'sharpness' of the sensation or shock.
- The small 'tsu' (っ) at the end of the phrase acts as a glottal stop, meaning the sound is cut off abruptly rather than fading away.
Examples in context
- うっ、それは痛そうだね。Uu, sore wa itasou dane.Oof, that looks painful.
- うっ、値段が高いなあ。Uu, nedan ga takai naa.Oof, the price is high.
Example conversation
Kenta and Himari are looking at a menu in a luxury restaurant.
- 健太 Kentaこのステーキ、すごく高いよ。Kono suteeki, sugoku takai yo.This steak is really expensive.
- 陽葵 Himariうっ、本当だ。高いね。Uu, hontou da. Takai ne.Oof, you're right. It's expensive.
- 健太 Kenta陽葵、何にする？Himari, nani ni suru?Himari, what will you have?
- 陽葵 Himari私はサラダにするよ。Watashi wa sarada ni suru yo.I'll just have a salad.
