Zounds Meaning in English

word

US

ˈzaʊndz

ZOWNDZ

UK

zˈaʊndz

ZOWNDZ

Definition

An old-fashioned exclamation showing surprise, anger, or excitement, originally used in English centuries ago.

Usage & Nuances

Extremely rare in modern speech; mostly found in Shakespearean plays or historical fiction. Used as a mild oath, not offensive today. Adds dramatic or humorous old-fashioned flair when used deliberately.

• Spanish: ¡Zambomba! - ¡Caracoles! (arcaico/exclamación)
• Portuguese (BR): Caramba! (arcaico) - Céus! (arcaico)
• Portuguese (PT): Caramba! (arcaico) - Céus! (arcaico)
• Chinese (Simplified): 哎呀（古英语感叹词）
• Chinese (Traditional): 哎呀（古英文感嘆詞）
• Hindi: अरे बाप रे! (पुराना/विलुप्त)
• Arabic: يا للعجب! (قديم/تعجّب)
• Bengali: আশ্চর্য - বাহ - আরে
• Russian: чёрт побери - чтоб меня
• Japanese: なんてこった - なんだって
• Vietnamese: trời ơi - ôi chao
• Korean: 맙소사 - 이런
• Turkish: vay canına - aman tanrım
• Urdu: ارے - تف ہے
• Indonesian: astaga - astaga naga

Example Sentences

Zounds, what a loud noise!

basic

Zounds, I forgot my keys again.

basic

Zounds, the answer was right there!

basic

He entered the room and shouted, "Zounds! Who left the window open?"

natural

You scared me—zounds, don’t do that!

natural

Sometimes he says 'zounds' just to sound dramatic.

natural