ops
/ˈops/
The English phrase "oops" can be translated into Italian as ops. Wiktionary also lists ups.
Meaning: acknowledging a minor mistake (intj)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| ops | /ˈops/ |
| ups |
The interjection ops is used to acknowledge a minor, non-serious blunder, such as dropping a spoon or pressing the wrong button.
Which one should you use?
The pack provides two forms: ups and ops.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈops/
When do people say it?
If you wish to express mild frustration or annoyance rather than just acknowledging a blunder, you might use the exclamation Mannaggia (meaning "darn it" or "oh no") instead.
Did you know?
- If the 'oops' moment is a social faux pas, Italians may use che figura!, which refers to the 'figure' or image one projects to the public.
- The Italian ups is often used by parents to gently alert a child that they have had an accident, such as spilling a drink or wetting themselves.
- In Italian, the exclamation ops is frequently accompanied by a specific hand gesture, such as a quick shrug or a palm-up movement, to signal 'it's nothing'.
Examples in context
- Ops! Piano sbagliato.Oops! Wrong floor.This sentence is useful for acknowledging you have reached the wrong floor with ops.Tatoeba #11395467 by Guybrush88, translation #8239099 by Amastan
- Ops! Porta sbagliata.Oops! Wrong door.This sentence is useful for acknowledging you have reached the wrong door with ops.Tatoeba #11395469 by Guybrush88, translation #8239101 by Amastan
- Ops! Numero sbagliato.Oops! Wrong number.This sentence is useful for acknowledging you have dialed the wrong number with ops.Tatoeba #11395468 by Guybrush88, translation #8239100 by Amastan
- Oops, ho dimenticato il mio portafoglio.Oops, I forgot my wallet.
- Mannaggia, mi è caduto il telefono!Darn it, I dropped my phone!
- Accidenti, mi sono dimenticato le chiavi dell'auto.Whoops, I forgot the car keys.
- Porca miseria, ho bruciato la cena.Oh no, I burned the dinner.
Example conversation
Sofia accidentally spills some water on the table.
- SofiaOps! Ho versato l'acqua.Oops! I spilled the water.
- MatteoNon preoccuparti, Sofia.Don't worry, Sofia.
- SofiaPrendo subito un tovagliolo.I'll get a napkin right away.
- MatteoSì, così puliamo tutto.Yes, that way we clean everything.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “oops” translations and entries ops, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
