Goodness gracious Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈɡʊdnəs/, /ˈɡʊdnɪs/ /ˈɡɹeɪʃəs

GOOD-nis GRAY-shuhs

UK

ɡˈʊdnəs/ /ɡɹˈeɪʃəs

good-NIS gray-SHUHS

Definition

An exclamation used to show surprise, shock, or disbelief, often in a polite or gentle way.

Usage & Nuances

Old-fashioned and very polite; rarely used by young people. Common in surprised, shocked, or mildly upset situations. Alternatives include 'oh my goodness', 'good grief', and 'wow' (more informal). Avoid in very serious or formal writing.

• Spanish: ¡Dios mío! - ¡Por Dios! - ¡Santo cielo!
• Portuguese (BR): Meu Deus! - Nossa! - Santo Deus!
• Portuguese (PT): Meu Deus! - Valha-me Deus! - Santo Deus!
• Chinese (Simplified): 天哪 - 哎呀 - 我的天啊
• Chinese (Traditional): 天啊 - 哎呀 - 我的天啊
• Hindi: हे भगवान! - अच्छा भगवान! - अरे बाप रे!
• Arabic: يا إلهي! - يا للعجب! - يا الله!
• Bengali: বাহ রে - ঈশ্বর - আরে বাবা
• Russian: Боже мой - Господи
• Japanese: まあ - あらまぁ
• Vietnamese: trời ơi - ôi trời
• Korean: 세상에 - 이런
• Turkish: aman Tanrım - hay Allah
• Urdu: یا اللہ - ہائے اللہ
• Indonesian: astaga - ya ampun

Example Sentences

Goodness gracious, you scared me!

basic

Goodness gracious, it's already 10 o'clock.

basic

Goodness gracious, look at all this mess.

basic

Goodness gracious, I didn't expect so many people at the party.

natural

Goodness gracious, you finished all the cake already?

natural

Goodness gracious! Where did you find that old photo?

natural