うわ

also: うわー · うわっ · うわあ

Freq.FrequencyTop 5,000

Meanings

yikes; oops; wow; aargh

An exclamation of surprise, shock, dismay, or sudden realization. The exact nuance depends on tone and context; can express anything from mild alarm to genuine fright.

うわ、びっくりした！
Whoa, you startled me!
うわ、やっちゃった…
Oops, I messed up…

Related words

あっN4
あっ is a general exclamation of sudden realization or surprise, while うわ specifically conveys shock, dismay, or being startled with more intensity.
わあN5
わあ usually expresses delight or admiration, whereas うわ tends to express negative surprise, shock, or dismay.
きゃっ
きゃっ tends to sound more feminine or startled (often a scream), whereas うわっ is a gender-neutral gasp of shock used by anyone.

Written forms

うわUsage39%
Basic kana form; no kanji spelling exists.
うわっUsage25%
Abrupt variant with a glottal stop, often for sudden shock.
うわあUsage17%
Drawn-out variant for emphasis.
うわーUsage16%
Lengthened variant expressing stronger emotion.
ウワーUsage2%
ウワッUsage1%
ウワUsage<1%

Etymology

A natural exclamation; the exact origin is uncertain, but it is likely a spontaneous vocalization of surprise or distress.

うわ