واو
waw
The English phrase "wow" can be expressed in Arabic as واو (waw).
واو is an informal loanword used to express amazement, similar to the English 'wow'.
Meaning: amazement (intj)
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
واو is an informal expression.
How do you pronounce it?
waw
When do people say it?
To express astonishment or surprise, speakers may also use the colloquial phrase Ya Allah (Oh God) or the common exclamation Wallah. While Wallah is derived from the phrase meaning "I swear by Allah", it is frequently used to express surprise, admiration or disbelief.
Did you know?
- In some regions, a person might express 'wow' by repeating the word Mashallah to show they are impressed without casting the 'evil eye' on the object of admiration.
- The letter واو is not just a sound for 'wow' but the actual name of the letter 'W' in the Arabic alphabet.
- Arabic speakers often accompany expressions of amazement with a gesture of placing the right hand over the heart.
Example conversation
Ahmed shows Sarah a painting he made.
- أحمد Ahmedانظري يا سارة، لقد رسمت هذه اللوحة.Unzuri ya Sarah, laqad rasamtu hadhihi al-lawha.Look Sarah, I painted this picture.
- سارة Saraواو، يا أحمد! أنت فنان رائع.Wow, ya Ahmed! Anta fannan ra'i.Wow, Ahmed! You are a great artist.
- أحمد Ahmedشكراً لكِ، لقد استغرقت وقتاً طويلاً.Shukran laki, laqad istaghraqtu waqtan tawilan.Thank you, it took me a long time.
- سارة Saraالألوان مذهلة حقاً.Al-alwan mudhila haqqan.The colors are truly amazing.
