Spanish word

caramba

Pronunciation

IPA/kaˈɾamba/

Meaning

  • interjectionoh no

Example

Se me olvidó la llave, ¡caramba!

I forgot the key, oh no!

Illustration for caramba (oh no)

More examples

¡Caramba, no esperaba verte aquí!

Oh my, I didn't expect to see you here!

Core concept

A short exclamation of mild surprise mixed with irritation.

Common phrases

  • ¡caramba, menuda sorpresa!

    oh my, what a surprise

Similar words

vaya: Casual exclamation signaling surprise with light puzzlement.
caray: Very short exclamation that signals surprise or brief bewilderment.
anda: Natural exclamation that shows surprise tinged with slight disbelief.

Definition in Spanish

Expresa sorpresa, contrariedad o ligera molestia ante un hecho inesperado.

Word origin

Caramba is a euphemistic alteration of the vulgar carajo and is recorded in Spanish texts from the 1600s.

Usage tips

  • Used mainly in informal speech as a quick standalone reaction, with intensity increased by adding '¡Ay!' or stretching the vowel.

Other meanings

  • oh myinterjection

Word lists with this word