uf
/ˈuf/
The English phrase "oof" can be expressed in Spanish using uf. If unsure, use uf. It is also spelled huf. Wiktionary also lists hum.
Meaning: expressing sympathy at another's pain, shock at a high price, etc. (intj)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| uf | /ˈuf/ | |
| hum | /ˈhum/ | |
| huf | /ˈhuf/ | alternative form |
These interjections are used to express sympathy regarding someone else's pain, shock at a high price.
Which one should you use?
huf is an alternative spelling of uf. The word hum is another related sound.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico and Central American countries, the expression ¡auch! is particularly frequent for expressing physical pain.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈuf/
Did you know?
- In Spain, an exaggerated 'uf' can sometimes be used to signal that you are bored or unimpressed by a story, rather than shocked by its content.
- While uf is used for sympathy or shock, if you use it to express relief after a difficult situation, it functions more like the English 'whew'.
- If you use uf to describe a very hot day, you are using it as an adjective-like exclamation of discomfort rather than a sympathy for someone else.
Examples in context
- Ay, me duele la cabezaOof, my head hurts
- Uy, qué calor hace hoyOof, it's so hot today
- ¡Auch! Me lastimé el dedo del pieOof! I hurt my toe
- ¡Uy, esto está complicado!Oof, this is complicated!
- ¡Auch! ¡Me golpeé la cabeza con la puerta!Oof! I hit my head on the door.
- Uf, qué caro está esto.Oof, this is so expensive.
- Uf, me duele mucho la cabeza.Oof, my head hurts a lot.
- Uf, qué calor hace hoy.Oof, it is so hot today.
Example conversation
Mateo and María are looking at a menu in a restaurant.
- MateoMira el precio del plato principal.Look at the price of the main course.
- MaríaUf, es demasiado caro para mí.Oof, it is too expensive for me.
- MateoTienes razón, María.You are right, María.
- MaríaBusquemos algo más económico.Let's look for something cheaper.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “oof” translations and entries uf, hum, huf, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
