crikey
word
Definition
An informal exclamation used to show surprise, shock, or excitement, especially in British and Australian English.
Usage & Nuances
Mostly used in the UK and Australia; rarely used in the US. Expresses mild shock, surprise, or excitement, and is quite friendly and informal. Similar to 'wow', 'gee', or 'goodness'. Not used in serious or formal contexts.
Spanish: caray - cielosPortuguese (BR): nossa - carambaPortuguese (PT): bolas - chiçaChinese (Simplified): 哎呀 - 天哪Chinese (Traditional): 哎呀 - 天哪Hindi: अरे बाप रे - हे भगवानArabic: يا إلهي - يا للعجبBengali: আরে - বাহ - হায় রেRussian: ничего себе - вот это даJapanese: うわっ - びっくりVietnamese: trời ơi - ôi trời - chàKorean: 이런 - 와Turkish: vay be - aman tanrımUrdu: ارے - اوہIndonesian: waduh - astaga
Example Sentences
He’s so fast—crikey, I can’t keep up!
natural
Crikey, I didn’t expect you to be here!
natural
Crikey, that's a big spider!
basic
Crikey, I forgot my keys.
basic
Crikey, it’s already midnight!
basic
Crikey, where did you find that old photo?
natural