ой
oj[oj]
The Russian word for ouch is ой (oj). Wiktionary also lists ай (aj) and а́уч (áuč).
Meaning: expression of one’s own physical pain (intj)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| ой | oj | [oj] (narrow) | |
| ай | aj | [aj] (narrow) | |
| а́уч | áuč | neologism |
This expression is used to signal one's own physical pain. Beyond physical sensation, ой is frequently used as an exclamation of surprise, realization or when one realizes they have made a mistake.
Which one should you use?
The form ой is the most common way to express a sudden, sharp sensation of pain or a minor mistake. In contrast, ай is often used for a sharper, more sudden sting or a more intense burst of pain than ой. The form а́уч is a neologism.
How do you pronounce it?
oj
Did you know?
- The exclamation ой is often paired with мамочки (meaning 'little mothers') to create the phrase ой мамочки, used when someone is frightened or shocked.
- While ой is a general exclamation, the specific sound ай is the standard vocalization used in Russian folk songs to mimic a cry of grief or longing.
- The expression ой can be repeated several times as ой-ой-ой to signal that a situation is becoming seriously problematic or alarming.
Examples in context
- Ой! Я прикусил язык.Ouch! I bit my tongue.This sentence is useful for expressing that you bit your tongue using ой.Tatoeba #3845108 by Selena777, translation #3844689 by Youmu970
- Ай! Я прикусил язык!Ouch! I bit my tongue!This sentence is useful for expressing that you bit your tongue using ай.Tatoeba #4300099 by whatnot, translation #3555061 by yosia49
- Ай! Меня пчела укусила!Ouch!! I've been stung by a bee!!This sentence is useful for expressing that you were stung by a bee using ай.Tatoeba #3166931 by marafon, translation #278297 by CM
- 18 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Andrey accidentally steps on Anastasia's foot.
- Анастасия AnastasiaОй! Ты наступил мне на ногу.Oy! Ty nastupil mne na nogu.Ouch! You stepped on my foot.
- Андрей AndreyОй, извини, пожалуйста!Oy, izvini, pozhaluysta!Oh, sorry, please!
- Анастасия AnastasiaБольно до сих пор.Bol'no do sikh por.It still hurts.
- Андрей AndreyЯ больше буду осторожнее.Ya bol'she budu ostorozhnee.I will be more careful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ouch” translations and entries ой, ай, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
