Good gracious Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈɡʊd/, /ɡɪd/ /ˈɡɹeɪʃəs

GUUD GRAY-shuhs

UK

ɡˈʊd/ /ɡɹˈeɪʃəs

g-UUD gray-shuhs

Definition

An exclamation used to show surprise, shock, or strong emotion, similar to saying 'oh my goodness' or 'wow'.

Usage & Nuances

Mild, old-fashioned, and polite; not used much by younger speakers. Often appears in writing or playful speech. Use for surprise, disbelief, or mild shock. Do not use in truly serious situations.

• Spanish: ¡Dios mío! - ¡Santo cielo!
• Portuguese (BR): Meu Deus! - Nossa!
• Portuguese (PT): Meu Deus! - Céus!
• Chinese (Simplified): 天哪！- 我的天啊！
• Chinese (Traditional): 天啊！- 我的天啊！
• Hindi: हे भगवान! - अरे बाप रे!
• Arabic: يا إلهي! - يا للعجب!
• Bengali: ওহ ঈশ্বর - হায় খোদা
• Russian: Боже мой - Господи
• Japanese: まあ - なんてこと
• Vietnamese: trời ơi - ôi trời
• Korean: 세상에 - 어머나
• Turkish: aman tanrım - vay canına
• Urdu: یا اللہ - ہائے اللہ
• Indonesian: astaga - ya ampun

Example Sentences

Good gracious, look at how tall you've grown!

basic

Good gracious, I almost forgot your birthday.

basic

Good gracious, that's a lot of money!

basic

Good gracious, where did you find that old photo?

natural

Good gracious, is it really already midnight?

natural

Good gracious, you scared me!

natural