वाह
vāh/ʋɑːɦ/
The English phrase "wow" can be translated into Hindi as वाह (vāh).
वाह! is a common and versatile way to say "wow" in Hindi suitable for both formal and informal situations. You may also use क्या बात है! to express amazement or admiration. This phrase literally means "what a thing!"
Meaning: amazement (intj)
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ʋɑːɦ/ (vāh).
When do people say it?
In many contexts, especially regarding art, music or poetry, वाह functions similarly to "bravo" to show appreciation for a performance.
Did you know?
- Because वाह can be used to praise something, in certain contexts, it can be used to ironically mock someone who is being overly dramatic.
- The word वाह is a linguistic bridge between cultures, having been borrowed from both ancient Sanskrit and Classical Persian.
- In classical music concerts, listeners often shout वाह as a spontaneous reaction to a specific melodic phrase rather than waiting for the end of the song.
Examples in context
- वाह! तुम बड़े विद्वान होगे।Wow! You must be a genius.Tatoeba #9854827 by anushka, translation #6794058 by Hybrid
- वाह!Wow!Tatoeba #6179147 by fastrizwaan, translation #52027 by Zifre
- वाह, एक और बार!Wow, encore!
Example conversation
Anjali and Aditya are looking at a beautiful painting.
- अंजलि Anjaliवाह! यह पेंटिंग कितनी सुंदर है।Waah! Yeh painting kitni sundar hai.Wow! This painting is so beautiful.
- आदित्य Adityaहाँ, वाकई बहुत शानदार है।Haan, vaakai bahut shaandaar hai.Yes, it really is magnificent.
- अंजलि Anjaliक्या तुमने इसे खुद बनाया है?Kya tumne ise khud banaya hai?Did you make this yourself?
- आदित्य Adityaनहीं, यह तो किसी और की रचना है।Nahin, yeh toh kisi aur ki rachna hai.No, it is someone else's creation.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “wow” translations and entries वाह, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries वाह, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
