oy
word
/ˈɔɪ/
oy
/ˈɔɪ/
oy
Definition
An informal exclamation used to get someone's attention, show surprise, annoyance, or to express a strong emotion. Common in British and Jewish English.
Usage & Nuances
Very informal and expressive, "oy" is common in British English as an attention-getter or when startled or annoyed. It also has roots in Yiddish/Jewish English for exasperation. Not used in formal writing. Similar to "hey" or "oh" but with more emotional tone; may be extended as "oy vey" (distress).
Spanish: ¡oye! - ¡ay! - ¡eh!Portuguese (BR): ei! - nossa! - poxa!Portuguese (PT): ei! - epá! - ui!Chinese (Simplified): 哎呀 - 哎 - 喂Chinese (Traditional): 哎呀 - 哎 - 喂Hindi: अरे! - ओए!Arabic: أوي! - هيه!Bengali: অয় - ওরেRussian: ойJapanese: おい - あらVietnamese: ôi - nàyKorean: 어이 - 아이고Turkish: oyUrdu: ارے - اوئےIndonesian: oi - aduh
Example Sentences
Oy, that's really heavy!
basic
Oy, be careful!
basic
Oy! What are you doing?
basic
Oy, my back hurts after all that work.
natural
Oy, I can’t believe I forgot my keys again!
natural
Mom shouted, "Oy! Stop fighting, you two!"
natural