interjection
Common
huh
huh
Huh (interjection) means used to show confusion, surprise, or to ask someone to repeat what they said. Example: “Huh, that's strange, I was sure I left my keys here.”
interjection
1
Used to show confusion, surprise, or to ask someone to repeat what they said.
"Huh, that's strange, I was sure I left my keys here."
"Huh? I didn't catch that."
"Huh, I didn't expect that ending at all."
2
Added to the end of a sentence to turn it into a casual question, inviting agreement.
"This soup is far too salty, huh?"
"Nice weather today, huh?"
"You're not from around here, huh?"
How to use huh
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA casual sound people make to show confusion, surprise, or to turn a statement into a question.
When to use it
Very informal — spoken and casual written English only.
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Word forms
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
_____, that's strange, I was sure I left my keys here.
Etymology
A natural exclamation recorded in English since around 1600; similar sounds exist in other languages, including Dutch.
Class of 1600
huh joined the language around 1600.
See the full Class of 1600 →
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “huh” mean?
The word “huh” means used to show confusion, surprise, or to ask someone to repeat what they said. In plain terms, a casual sound people make to show confusion, surprise, or to turn a statement into a question.
How do you pronounce “huh”?
“Huh” is pronounced huh (/hʌ/ in IPA).
How do you use “huh” in a sentence?
Here is “huh” used in a sentence: “Huh? I didn't catch that.”
What part of speech is “huh”?
“Huh” is an interjection.
Where does the word “huh” come from?
The word “huh” dates back to around 1600 and comes from Dutch. A natural exclamation recorded in English since around 1600; similar sounds exist in other languages, including Dutch.
Is “huh” a common word?
“Huh” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “huh” have?
“Huh” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: used to show confusion, surprise, or to ask someone to repeat what they said.
What is the difference between "huh" and "what"?
Both can ask someone to repeat something, but "huh?" is more casual and can also express confusion or surprise, while "what?" is more direct and can sound abrupt or even rude. "Huh?" softens a request for repetition.
How is "huh" used at the end of a sentence?
When added to the end of a statement, "huh" turns it into a casual question inviting agreement, as in "nice weather, huh?" In this role it works like a tag question, similar to "right?" or "isn't it?"
Is "huh" appropriate in formal writing?
"Huh" is an informal, conversational interjection and is not suitable for formal or academic writing. It appears mainly in speech, dialogue, and casual messages.
What is the difference between "huh" and "hmm"?
"Huh" usually signals confusion, surprise, or a request to repeat, while "hmm" signals thinking, hesitation, or mild doubt. They express quite different reactions even though both are short interjections.
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