Korean word

헉

Pronunciation

Romanizationheok

Meaning

  • interjectionwhoa

Example

헉, 갑자기 무슨 일이야?heok kap jja gi mu seun i ri ya

Whoa, what happened all of a sudden?

Illustration for 헉 (whoa)

More examples

헉, 왜 이렇게 늦었어?heok wae i reo ke neu seo sseo

Whoa, why are you so late?

Core concept

A brief startled reaction that escapes before the mind has time to form a sentence.

Common phrases

  • 헉, 왜 이렇게 늦었어?heok wae i reo ke neu seo sseo

    Whoa, why are you so late

  • 헉, 진짜?heok chin jja

    Whoa, really

Similar words

와wa: A lively exclamation of strong amazement or admiration.
어eo: A brief questioning sound used when speech was missed or unclear.
아a: A quick exclamation of sudden understanding or recognition.

Definition in Korean

갑자기 놀라거나 믿기지 않을 때 본능적으로 내는 한 음절짜리 짧은 감탄사kap jja gi nol la geo na mit kki ji a neul ttae pon neung jeo geu ro nae neun han eum jeol jja ri jjal beun kam tan sa

Word origin

The word's exact origin is uncertain, and there is no reliable evidence for breaking it into meaningful parts.

Usage tips

  • Korean speakers use 헉 (heok, "a startled interjection") as a quick spoken or written reaction, while the situation determines whether it expresses excitement, concern, or disbelief.

Other meanings

  • gaspinterjection
  • yikesinterjection
  • ohinterjection

Opposites

Word lists with this word