ayayay
/aʝaʝai/from spelling rules
The English phrase "owie" can be translated into Spanish using ayayay or pupa.
Meaning: minor injury (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| ayayay | /aʝaʝai/ (from spelling rules) |
| pupa | /ˈpupa/ |
The word ayayay is an interjection used to express sudden pain or distress, functioning similarly to "ouch" or "oh no" in English.
Which one should you use?
pupa is specifically characterized as a childish term.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
pupa is a childish term, used either by children or when adults are speaking to children.
How do you pronounce it?
/aʝaʝai/
Did you know?
- While ayayay expresses pain, it is also frequently used in song and dance to express excitement, flirtation or emotional longing.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, adults will 'blow' on a pupa while saying sopla que se quite to magically make the pain disappear.
- While pupa sounds like a cute or silly word to an English speaker, it actually traces back to the Latin word for 'doll' or 'girl'.
Examples in context
- ¡Auch! Me golpeé el dedo del pie con la mesa.Ouch! I hit my toe against the table.
- ¡Ay, me dio un pellizco el cierre de la chaqueta!Ouch, the jacket zipper pinched me!
Example conversation
Lucía is helping Alejandro after he trips.
- Lucía¿Estás bien, Alejandro?Are you okay, Alejandro?
- AlejandroTengo un ayayay en el brazo.I have an owie on my arm.
- LucíaDéjame ver ese ayayay.Let me see that owie.
- AlejandroSolo necesita una curita.It just needs a bandage.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “owie” translations and entries ayayay, pupa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pupa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
