yikes
word
/ˈjaɪks/
/jˈaɪks/
Definition
An exclamation people use when they are surprised, shocked, or a little scared by something sudden or unpleasant.
Usage & Nuances
Informal and often playful; used in conversation, text, and social media. Shows mild shock, embarrassment, or alarm. Less strong than 'oh my god'. Not used in very formal writing. Common in reactions to awkward situations.
Spanish: uf - ay (expresión de sorpresa o susto)Portuguese (BR): nossa - credo (expressão de susto ou surpresa)Portuguese (PT): bolas - chiça (expressão de surpresa ou susto)Chinese (Simplified): 哎呀 (表示震惊或害怕)Chinese (Traditional): 哎呀 (表示震驚或害怕)Hindi: अरे बाप रे (चौंकने या डरने का भाव)Arabic: يا ساتر - يا إلهي (تعبر عن المفاجأة أو الخوف)Bengali: উফ - আরে বাপরে (আশ্চর্য বা ভয়ের প্রকাশ)Russian: ух ты - ой (выражение испуга или удивления)Japanese: うわっ - わっ (驚きや怖いときの感嘆)Vietnamese: ôi trời - trời ơi (biểu thị ngạc nhiên hoặc sợ hãi)Korean: 헉 - 아이고 (놀람이나 두려움의 표현)Turkish: eyvah - vay (şaşırma veya korku ifadesi)Urdu: ارے - اوہ (حیرت یا خوف کے اظہار کے لیے)Indonesian: waduh - astaga (ungkapan kaget atau takut)
Example Sentences
Oh wow, you're moving tomorrow? Yikes, that's fast!
natural
Yikes, I didn't mean to see that!
natural
You paid how much for it? Yikes.
natural
Yikes, that spider is huge!
basic
Yikes! I forgot my homework at home.
basic
Yikes, I almost slipped on the floor.
basic