와
wa[wa̠]
In Korean, the expression of surprise for 'whoa' is 와 (wa).
와 is a versatile exclamation used to convey surprise, admiration or excitement, similar to 'whoa' or 'wow' in English.
Meaning: expression of surprise (intj)
How do you pronounce it?
wa
Did you know?
- If you use 와 to express admiration toward an elder, it may sound unintentionally blunt or lacking in respect because exclamations are often considered informal.
- While 와 sounds like an exclamation of wonder, it is also the standard Korean reading for the Chinese character meaning 'come' (來).
- Korean has several other surprise markers like 헐 or 헉 that are used for negative surprise or shock, whereas 와 is typically reserved for positive or neutral wonder.
Examples in context
- 와, 진짜 멋지다!Wa, jin-jja meot-ji-da!Whoa, it's really cool!
- 와, 정말 커요!Wa, jeong-mal keo-yo!Whoa, it's really big!
- 와, 깜짝이야!Wa, kkam-jjak-i-ya!Whoa, you startled me!
Example conversation
Subin and Dohyun are looking at a huge cake in a bakery window.
- 수빈 Su-bin와, 저 케이크 좀 봐!Wa, jeo ke-i-keu jom bwa!Whoa, look at that cake!
- 도현 Do-hyeon정말 크고 맛있겠다.Jeong-mal keu-go ma-sit-get-da.It looks really big and delicious.
- 수빈 Su-bin와, 진짜 비싸 보이는데?Wa, jin-jja bi-ssa bo-i-neun-de?Whoa, it looks really expensive, doesn't it?
- 도현 Do-hyeon그러게, 수빈아.Geu-reo-ge, Su-bin-a.You're right, Subin.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 와, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 와, CC BY-SA 4.0.
