ow
OW
Ow (intj) means an exclamation of sudden pain. Example: “Ow! I just stubbed my toe.”
intj
1
An exclamation of sudden pain.
"Ow! I just stubbed my toe."
"Ow, that hurts! The hot pan just touched my hand."
"The little boy cried, "Ow!" when he trapped his finger in the door."
How to use ow
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishWhat you say when something suddenly hurts.
Easily confused with
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Word forms
- Plural
- ows
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_____! I just stubbed my toe.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “ow” mean?
The word “ow” means an exclamation of sudden pain. In plain terms, what you say when something suddenly hurts.
How do you pronounce “ow”?
“Ow” is pronounced OW (/ˈaʊ/ in IPA).
How do you use “ow” in a sentence?
Here is “ow” used in a sentence: “Ow! I just stubbed my toe.”
What part of speech is “ow”?
“Ow” is an intj.
Is “ow” a common word?
“Ow” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between "ow" and "ouch"?
Both are exclamations of sudden pain, but "ow" tends to be shorter and sharper, suited to a quick jab of pain, while "ouch" can feel slightly more drawn out or expressive. In everyday speech the two are largely interchangeable.
Can "ow" express emotional pain as well as physical pain?
"Ow" is reserved almost entirely for sudden physical pain, such as stubbing a toe or getting pricked by something sharp. It is rarely stretched to cover emotional hurt the way some other exclamations occasionally are.
Is "ow" used in writing as well as speech?
Yes, "ow" appears in both spoken language and informal writing such as text messages, comics, and dialogue, representing an instinctive reaction to pain. It is not used in formal writing.
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