ahi
/ˈaj/
The Italian word for ouch is ahi. It is also spelled ahia.
Meaning: expression of one’s own physical pain (intj)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ahi | /ˈaj/ | |
| ahia | /ˈa.ja/ | alternative form |
ahi is an interjection used specifically for sudden, sharp physical pain rather than emotional distress.
Which one should you use?
ahia is a very common variant of ahi and is used interchangeably in written text.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈaj/
Did you know?
- While ahi signals sharp pain, Italians often use ahi sarcastically to mock someone who has just suffered a minor misfortune or a verbal defeat.
- In Italian literature, ahi can be extended into the poetic ahi! to express a deep, soulful lament or a sigh of grief, moving beyond simple physical pain.
- If an Italian says ahi in a long, drawn-out tone, it may shift from a cry of pain to an expression of sudden realization or 'oops'.
Examples in context
- Ahia! Il mio dente!Ouch! My tooth!This sentence is useful for expressing pain in a tooth.Tatoeba #3323000 by Guybrush88, translation #2318174 by Gulliver
- Ahia! Il mio piede!Ouch! My foot!This sentence is useful for expressing pain in a foot.Tatoeba #11444100 by Guybrush88, translation #72064 by Luornu
- Ahia! Mi sono morso la lingua!Ouch! I bit my tongue!This sentence is useful for expressing that you have bitten your tongue.Tatoeba #3555065 by Guybrush88, translation #3555061 by yosia49
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giulia accidentally steps on Alessandro's foot.
- GiuliaScusa, Alessandro! Ti ho calpestato?Sorry, Alessandro! Did I step on you?
- AlessandroAhi! Sì, mi hai fatto male.Ouch! Yes, you hurt me.
- GiuliaMi dispiace molto, stai bene?I am very sorry, are you okay?
- AlessandroSì, non è nulla di grave.Yes, it is nothing serious.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ouch” translations and entries ahi, ahia, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
