aua
The German way to say "ow" is aua.
This phrase is an exclamation used to express sudden physical pain.
Which one should you use?
While aua is the default form, Au! is the most common way to say "ow" in an informal situation. For more intense, sharp or sudden pain, you may use Autsch!, which is a slightly more intense version of "au," often used when experiencing sharp or sudden pain.
Did you know?
- While aua is the standard cry of pain, it is also used as a noun in the phrase ein Aua, referring to a small injury or a 'boo-boo' in baby talk.
- German children often use the phrase aua machen to describe something that is hurting or dangerous, effectively turning the exclamation for 'ow' into a verb meaning 'to cause pain'.
- The exclamation weh is a related historical term found in words like weh getan (to have caused pain), though it is no longer used as a standalone cry of pain in modern daily speech.
Examples in context
- Aua! Hör auf!Ow! Stop it!This sentence is useful for seeing how to use aua when telling someone to stop.Tatoeba #4887272 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #4904159 by Shangri_La93
- Oh, das tut aber weh!Oh, that really hurts!
- Au, mein Arm!Ouch, my arm!
- Ach du meine Güte, das tat weh!Oh my goodness, that hurt!
- Ui, das hat gezwiebelt!Ooh, that really stung!
- Autsch! Das tut aber weh!Ouch! That really hurts!
- Aua, das tut weh.Ow, that hurts.
- Aua! Ich bin gegen die Tür gestoßen.Ow! I bumped into the door.
Example conversation
Felix accidentally steps on Hannah's foot.
- HannahAua! Pass auf, Felix!Ow! Watch out, Felix!
- FelixOh nein, tut mir leid!Oh no, I'm sorry!
- HannahDas war wirklich ein Aua.That really hurt.
- FelixGeht es deinem Fuß gut?Is your foot okay?
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry aua, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
