igitt
/iˈɡɪt/
The English phrase "ugh" can be translated into German as igitt or pfui.
Meaning: to express disgust (intj)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| igitt | /iˈɡɪt/ |
| pfui | /pfʊɪ̯/ /fʊɪ̯/ |
Both words are used to express disgust, but they are applied to different types of unpleasantness. igitt is typically used to express physical disgust or a visceral reaction to something unpleasant like bad smells or textures. In contrast, pfui is often used to express moral disgust, contempt or to condemn someone's behavior as shameful or 'gross'.
Which one should you use?
igitt expresses visceral disgust toward something physical or sensory. pfui expresses moral disgust or contempt toward someone's actions or character.
How do you pronounce it?
/iˈɡɪt/
Did you know?
- The word igitt may actually be a polite way of saying 'oh God' by masking the name of deity. It is thought to be a 'minced oath', where a word is slightly altered to avoid being blasphemous.
- In Germany, pfui is frequently used as a command to scold a dog for doing something naughty, similar to saying 'shame on you'.
- German speakers may use pfui as part of the expression pfui Teufel, which translates literally to 'fie devil' and is used to express strong indignation.
Examples in context
- Ich habe das verbrannte Brot gerochen und sofort "igitt!" gedacht.I smelled the burnt bread and immediately thought "ugh!"This sentence shows how igitt can be a reaction to a bad smell.
- Pfui, Mama und Papa küssen sich!Ugh, mommy and daddy are kissing.This sentence shows how pfui can be used to react to behavior one finds gross.Tatoeba #6150053 by maaster, translation #9171225 by coyo7e
- Igitt, dein Waffeleisen ist ja total versifft!Ugh, your waffle iron's all dirty!This sentence shows igitt being used to react to something dirty.Tatoeba #918626 by MUIRIEL, translation #8819618 by sundown
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Hannah are looking at an old fridge.
- MaximilianSchau mal, da ist Schimmel auf dem Käse.Look, there is mold on the cheese.
- HannahIgitt! Wirf das bitte sofort weg.Ugh! Please throw that away immediately.
- MaximilianIch mache das Fenster kurz auf.I'll open the window for a moment.
- HannahGute Idee, es riecht wirklich schlimm hier.Good idea, it smells really bad in here.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ugh” translations and entries igitt, pfui, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries igitt, pfui, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0, Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
