와
wa[wa̠]
The Korean word for "wow" is 와 (wa).
와 is used as a standalone exclamation to express surprise, admiration or shock.
Meaning: amazement (intj)
How do you pronounce it?
wa
Did you know?
- The word 와 is a sound-symbolic expression, meaning it mimics a natural human sound of surprise. It is a linguistic relative of the English 'wow' and the French 'ouah'.
- In very formal settings, using a loud 와 can be seen as too impulsive. Koreans may instead use the phrase 세상에, which translates to 'in the world', to express a more refined state of shock.
- Depending on the context, 와 can be used sarcastically to mock someone who is overreacting. In this case, the tone is typically flatter and lower than a genuine exclamation of wonder.
Examples in context
- 와, 너 완전 가수같다.Wow, you totally look like an artist.This sentence shows how to use 와 when complimenting someone's appearance.Tatoeba #4950387 by rainbow4us, translation #7999680 by ciwlx
- 와! 이게 얼마 만이야.Wow! It's been a long time.This sentence demonstrates using 와 to express surprise at how much time has passed.Tatoeba #11105458 by intertime, translation #417020 by CK
- 와! 이 레스토랑 필라프가 정말 맛있는데!Wow! The pilaf at this restaurant is really good!This sentence illustrates using 와 to express admiration for delicious food.Tatoeba #11110734 by intertime, translation #2683796 by FeuDRenais2
- 여러분의 연구는 정말 대단하다고 생각합니다.I think your research is truly remarkable.
- 오늘 날씨 정말 좋다! 와, 이렇게 맑은 날은 오랜만이야.The weather is really nice today! Wow, it's been a long time since we had such a clear day.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Subin and Dohyeon are looking at a beautiful night view from a rooftop.
- 수빈 Su-bin와, 야경이 정말 예쁘다!wa, yagyeongi jeongmal yeppeuda!Wow, the night view is so pretty!
- 도현 Do-hyeon응, 수빈아, 정말 멋지지?eung, subin-a, jeongmal meotjiji?Yeah, Subin, isn't it wonderful?
- 수빈 Su-bin응, 도현아, 나 진짜 감동받았어.eung, dohyun-a, na jinjja gamdongbadasseo.Yeah, Dohyeon, I'm really touched.
- 도현 Do-hyeon다행이다, 같이 와서 좋아.dahaengida, gachi waseo joa.I'm glad, I'm happy we came together.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “wow” translations and entries 와, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 와, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
