uy
/ˈui/
The Spanish phrase for "ooh" is uy.
uy is an informal interjection used to express sudden sensations like pain, surprise or a realization of a mistake or danger.
Which one should you use?
While 'oh' in English often expresses wonder or realization, uy in Spanish carries a stronger connotation of a sudden, often unpleasant, reaction or a 'near-miss' situation.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈui/
Did you know?
- If a Spanish speaker stretches the vowel to uyyy, it often shifts from a reaction of pain to a signal of deep irony or skepticism about what someone else is saying.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, uy is used as a playful or suggestive reaction to a flirtatious comment, moving it far away from its meaning of pain or danger.
- The phrase uy is the direct descendant of the Latin interjection hui, which was used by Romans to express a similar sense of shock or distress.
Examples in context
- ¡Qué maravilla! Este cuadro es realmente impresionante.Wow! This painting is truly impressive.
- ¡Guau! No puedo creer lo bien que cantas.Wow! I can't believe how well you sing.
- Uy, qué calor hace aquí.Ooh, it is so hot in here.
- ¡Uy! Casi me caigo.Ooh! I almost fell.
- Uy, se me olvidó la llave.Ooh, I forgot my key.
Example conversation
Mateo is carrying a heavy box and almost trips.
- María¡Uy! Ten cuidado, Mateo.Ooh! Be careful, Mateo.
- MateoNo te preocupes, María.Don't worry, María.
- MaríaEs que la caja es muy grande.It's just that the box is very big.
- MateoSí, es un poco pesada.Yes, it is a bit heavy.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry uy, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries uy, CC BY-SA 4.0.
