Spanish word

eh

Pronunciation

IPA/e/

Meaning

  • interjectionhey

Example

Mira, eh, espera un momento.

Look, hey, hang on a moment.

Illustration for eh (hey)

More examples

¡Eh, oye, baja la voz!

Hey, listen, lower your voice!

Core concept

Brief exclamation to call attention or invite confirmation.

Common phrases

  • eh, oye

    Hey, listen

Similar words

oye: Calls out to catch someone's attention during ordinary informal talk.
mira: Calls to draw someone's eyes or focus to a particular sight or object.
oiga: Calls for attention in polite contexts through a formal, respectful address.

Definition in Spanish

Sirve para llamar la atención de otra persona, expresar sorpresa breve o pedir confirmación de forma informal.

Word origin

Not derived from a specific root but from natural vocalization, 'eh' originates as a short vowel exclamation that languages adopt independently as an attention or response marker.

Usage tips

  • When written as 'eh?' with a rising tone it commonly functions like English 'right?' to seek agreement, which can confuse English speakers expecting only a casual 'hey'.

Other meanings

  • oiinterjection

Word lists with this word