oeps
/ups/
The English phrase "oops" can be translated into Dutch as oeps. If unsure, use oeps. Wiktionary also lists oei and amaai.
Meaning: acknowledging a minor mistake (intj)
Ways to say it
| Dutch | IPA |
|---|---|
| oeps | /ups/ |
| oei | [ui̯] (narrow) |
| amaai |
The term oeps is a universal exclamation used in casual situations to express a minor, often clumsy, mistake or something unexpected.
Which one should you use?
While oeps is used for a minor mistake or slip-up, oei is used to express concern, the realization of a problem or a reaction to something slightly unpleasant or surprising. The form amaai is also available in Dutch.
How do you pronounce it?
/ups/
Did you know?
- In Dutch, the word oei can function as a warning to someone else, similar to how an English speaker might say 'watch out' or 'careful' in a soft tone.
- Although oeps is used frequently in the Netherlands, it is a relatively recent addition to the language because it was borrowed directly from the English 'oops'.
- Because oeps is a loanword from English, older generations of Dutch speakers may still prefer oei or other traditional interjections to express a slip-up.
Examples in context
- Oeps, mijn fout. Het is 3000 yen, niet 3000 euro's.Oops, my fault. It's 3000 yen, not 3000 euros.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use oeps when acknowledging a mistake.Tatoeba #4640176 by LinguisticFusion, translation #4635390 by mactrey
- Oeps, ik ben mijn sleutels vergeten.Oops, I forgot my keys.
- Oeps, ik liet het glas vallen.Oops, I dropped the glass.
- Oeps, ik ben de sleutels vergeten.Oops, I forgot the keys.
Example conversation
Emma and Lucas are at a cafe.
- EmmaOeps, ik heb suiker in je koffie gedaan.Oops, I put sugar in your coffee.
- LucasGeen probleem, Emma, dat geeft niet.No problem, Emma, it doesn't matter.
- EmmaBen je nu boos op mij?Are you angry with me now?
- LucasNee hoor, het is een klein foutje.No, it is a small mistake.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “oops” translations and entries oeps, oei, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries oeps, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
