¡uy!
The English phrase "uh-oh" can be translated into Spanish as ¡uy!
The exclamation ¡uy! is used to express a sudden realization of a mistake, a minor accident or a sense of mild alarm, similar to the English "uh-oh".
Meaning: exclamation (intj)
Which one should you use?
While the English "uh-oh" often implies a mistake has been made, the Spanish ¡uy! can also be used to express surprise or even admiration (like 'wow'), depending on the intonation. ¡Ups! Is used in Spanish to indicate a minor mistake or mishap. ¡Ay, no! Translates to 'Oh no!' and is used when something unexpected or negative happens.
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking regions, the exclamation ¡uy! is extended to ¡uyuyuy! to react to something scandalous or to tease someone.
- A sharp ¡uy! is frequently paired with a quick intake of breath or a physical recoil of the body to visually signal the mistake.
- While ¡uy! signals a mistake or surprise, the similar-sounding ¡ay! is reserved specifically for physical pain or deep emotional distress.
Examples in context
- ¡Uy!, creo que rompí el plato.Uh-oh, I think I broke the plate.
- ¡Uy!, se me olvidaron las llaves.Uh-oh, I forgot my keys.
- ¡Uy!, el gato tiró el vaso.Uh-oh, the cat knocked over the glass.
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are cooking together in the kitchen.
- Daniel¡Uy! Se acabó la sal, Elena.Uh-oh! We ran out of salt, Elena.
- ElenaNo importa, puedo comprar más ahora.It doesn't matter, I can buy more now.
- DanielPero la comida ya está en el fuego.But the food is already on the stove.
- ElenaUsa un poco de pimienta entonces.Use a little pepper then.
