Korean word

우와

Pronunciation

Romanizationuwa

Meaning

  • interjectionwow

Example

우와, 여기 정말 아름다워!u wa yeo gi cheong mal a reum da wo

Wow, it's really beautiful here!

Illustration for 우와 (wow)

More examples

우와 대박, 이거 내가 찾던 거야!u wa tae bak i geo nae ga chat tteon keo ya

Wow, this is awesome, just what I was looking for!

Core concept

A quick emotional release when something seems unexpectedly impressive or beautiful.

Common phrases

  • 우와 대박u wa tae bak

    Wow, awesome

  • 우와 진짜u wa chin jja

    Wow, really

Similar words

와wa: A brief exclamation showing simple surprise or delight.
대박taebak: A very casual, emphatic cry of amazement at something far beyond expectations.
헐heol: A short reaction showing shocked surprise, doubt, or disbelief.
오o: A brief exclamation used to draw attention or show mild surprise.

Definition in Korean

놀라움이나 감탄을 짧고 강하게 나타내는 감탄사.nol la u mi na kam ta neul jjal kko kang ha ge na ta nae neun kam tan sa

Word origin

The exact historical origin of 우와 (uwa, "wow") is uncertain, but it is understood as a spontaneous exclamation shaped into a conventional Korean interjection.

Usage tips

  • Like an English exclamation, it can stand alone as a complete response, which makes it useful when reacting before forming a longer sentence.

Other meanings

  • ohinterjection

Opposites

  • 에이eioh, come oninterjection
  • 에휴ehyuoh, dearinterjection

Word lists with this word