Chinese word

哇

Pronunciation

Pinyinwa

Meaning

  • interjectionwow

Example

哇，这个蛋糕好漂亮！wa zhè ge dàn gāo hǎo piào liàng

Wow, this cake is so beautiful!

Illustration for 哇 (wow)

More examples

哇，你真的做到了！wa nǐ zhēn de zuò dào le

Wow, you really did it!

Core concept

An instant spoken response that marks surprise, approval, or keen interest when something stands out.

Common phrases

  • 哇，太漂亮了wa tài piào liàng le

    Wow, very beautiful

  • 哇，太厉害了wa tài lì hài le

    Wow, that's awesome

  • 哇，吓我一跳wa xià wǒ yí tiào

    Wow, you startled me

Similar words

啊a: A brief exclamation of admiration when something is pleasing or impressive.
哎呀āi yā: A startled exclamation at something unexpected.
哦ó: A brief exclamation used upon noticing or realizing something.
咦yí: A brief exclamation upon noticing something unusual or inconsistent.

Definition in Chinese

口语感叹词，用来表示看到或听到某事时的惊讶、赞美或兴趣，语气可强可弱，常用于非正式场合。kóu yǔ gǎn tàn cí yòng lái biǎo shì kàn dào huò tīng dào mǒu shì shí de jīng yà zàn měi huò xìng qù yǔ qì kě qiáng kě ruò cháng yòng yú fēi zhèng shì chǎng hé

Word origin

哇 (wa, "wow") combines 口 (kǒu, "mouth"), which marks a vocal expression, with 娃 (wá, "child"), which gives the phonetic part of the character.

Usage tips

  • This interjection sounds natural in conversation and online messages but can feel too casual in a formal letter or official announcement.

Other meanings

  • whoainterjection
  • ohinterjection

Word lists with this word