ой
oj[oj]
In Russian, the phrase for "oops" is ой (oj). Wiktionary also lists упс (ups).
Meaning: acknowledging a minor mistake (intj)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| ой | oj | [oj] (narrow) | |
| упс | ups | [ups] (narrow) | neologism |
ой is used to acknowledge a minor mistake, express surprise or express regret. It can also be used to express mild pain or to draw attention to something, much like the English "oh!"
Which one should you use?
ой is the traditional, native interjection used for minor mistakes, sudden realizations or small amounts of pain. In contrast, упс is a modern neologism and a loanword from English that specifically mimics the English "oops". It is used primarily by younger generations or in informal digital contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
oj
Did you know?
- The traditional interjection ой is deeply connected to the Yiddish word אוי, which shares a similar function of expressing sudden emotion or discomfort.
- Russian speakers often use ой as a 'warning' sound to alert others that they are about to drop something or make a mistake in real time.
- In some contexts, repeating the sound as ой-ой-ой shifts the meaning from a simple 'oops' to a expression of genuine worry or a looming disaster.
Examples in context
- Ой, я снова пукнул!Oops, I farted again!This sentence shows how to use ой when describing an accidental bodily function.Tatoeba #8129746 by shmakozyabrik, translation #1576453 by aka_aj
- Ой, я снова это сделал.Oops, I did it again.This sentence demonstrates the use of ой when repeating an action.Tatoeba #4976173 by Karok, translation #2475757 by Hybrid
- Ой, по-моему, мы забыли Тома.Oops, I think we forgot Tom.This sentence illustrates using ой to express a sudden realization about someone being forgotten.Tatoeba #3946038 by marafon, translation #2475756 by Hybrid
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Olga accidentally drops her pen while working with Sergey.
- Ольга OlgaОй, я уронила ручку.Oy, ya uronila ruchku.Oops, I dropped my pen.
- Сергей SergeyНичего страшного, Ольга.Nichego strashnogo, Ol'ga.It's nothing, Olga.
- Ольга OlgaОй, она под стол закатилась.Oy, ona pod stol zakatilas'.Oops, it rolled under the table.
- Сергей SergeyЯ сейчас достану её.Ya seychas dostanu yeyo.I'll get it now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “oops” translations and entries ой, упс, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ой, упс, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
