wow
The English phrase "wow" can be translated into Swedish as wow or oj.
Meaning: amazement (intj)
Ways to say it
| Swedish |
|---|
| wow |
| oj |
While wow is used specifically to express being impressed or surprised by something, oj is often used for mild surprise, realization or to acknowledge a small mistake.
Which one should you use?
The term wow is used to convey amazement or being impressed. In contrast, oj is used to express mild surprise, a sudden realization or something similar to the English "oh" or "oops".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
wow is an anglicism and is considered informal, making it suitable for casual conversation but not for formal writing. For a more formal way to indicate that something is remarkable or astonishing, you might use Förbluffande! In informal settings, you might also use Jösses! to mean "Gosh!" or Herregud! to mean "Oh my God!"
Related words
Did you know?
- For a truly intense 'wow' feeling, Swedes might use Oj, oj, oj!, repeating the word three times to emphasize that a situation is getting serious or out of hand.
- In many Swedish contexts, the exclamation oj is actually a way to express sympathy or mild concern for someone else's misfortune.
- The phrase Jösses! is a much more colorful, emotive version of 'wow' that can sound almost humorous or old-fashioned in modern Swedish cities.
Examples in context
- Wow! Det här är fantastiskt!Wow! This is amazing!This sentence shows how to use wow to express that something is fantastic.Tatoeba #6363907 by SilasNordgren, translation #6325815 by Hybrid
- Wow! Vad billigt!Wow! That's cheap!This sentence demonstrates using wow to express surprise at a low price.Tatoeba #5945778 by herrsilen, translation #42587 by CK
- Wow, vilken rökare!Wow, what a rocket [hard shot, in soccer, ice hockey, or the like]!This sentence shows how wow can be used when reacting to an impressive shot in sports.
- Wow, titta på den fantastiska solnedgången!Wow, look at that amazing sunset!
- Herregud, det är ju jättestort!Oh my God, it's huge!
- Oj, vad roligt att se dig här!Oh, how nice to see you here!
- Fantastiskt, du har gjort ett otroligt arbete!Wow, you have done an incredible job!
- Underbart! Vilken vacker trädgård ni har!Wonderful! What a beautiful garden you have!
- Det här konstverket är förbluffande vackert.This artwork is astonishingly beautiful.
Example conversation
Linnea and Erik are looking at a beautiful view from a mountain.
- LinneaWow, vilken utsikt!Wow, what a view!
- ErikJa, det är helt otroligt.Yes, it is absolutely incredible.
- LinneaWow, jag är helt mållös.Wow, I am completely speechless.
- ErikJag håller med dig, Linnea.I agree with you, Linnea.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “wow” translations and entries wow, oj, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
