{"id":144887,"date":"2023-06-01T03:21:24","date_gmt":"2023-06-01T07:21:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/learn\/spanish-exclamations-interjections\/"},"modified":"2025-02-22T05:20:52","modified_gmt":"2025-02-22T10:20:52","slug":"spanish-exclamations-interjections","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/spanish\/spanish-exclamations-interjections\/","title":{"rendered":"47 Spanish Exclamations and Interjections for Lively Conversations"},"content":{"rendered":"

Interjections are words or brief phrases that express emotions or feelings. <\/strong>The key is that the word or phrase \u201cinterjects\u201d or \u201cinterrupts\u201d the rest of the phrase. These are often exclamations, but not always.<\/p>\n

One big thing that marks you out as a foreigner is a lack of Spanish exclamations and interjections. So by learning some, we can avoid sticking out like a sore thumb when in casual speaking situations.<\/p>\n

[fluentu-toc]<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

1. \u00a1Por favor!<\/em><\/h2>\n

Por favor<\/em> means “please,” but you can use it like “For goodness sake!” or “come on” when you’re exasperated and telling someone off.<\/p>\n

It can also be a pleading or bored appeal for someone to stop what they’re doing and move on.<\/p>\n

Por favor<\/strong>,\u00a0 esto tiene que ser un chiste.
\n<\/em>(Come on<\/strong>, this has to be a joke.)<\/p>\n

2. \u00a1Dios (m\u00edo)!<\/em><\/h2>\n

Spanish speakers often use Dios<\/em> (\u201cGod\u201d) and Dios m\u00edo<\/em> (“My God”) as expressions of amazement or sometimes disgust (if said with a sneer), similar to the English exclamation \u201cOh my God!”<\/p>\n

\u00a1Dios<\/strong>, es tan guapo!
\n<\/i>(God<\/strong>, isn’t he handsome!)<\/p>\n

\u00a1Dios m\u00edo!<\/strong> \u00a1Qu\u00e9 desordenado que eres!
\n<\/em>(Oh my God!<\/strong> You\u2019re so messy!)<\/p>\n

3. \u00a1Qu\u00e9 susto!<\/em><\/h2>\n

\u00a1Qu\u00e9 susto!<\/em> is used to mean “What a scare!”<\/p>\n

It’s used to express shock, both to show when you’re shocked yourself and also to show you understand when someone is telling you about a fright they experienced themselves.<\/p>\n

\u00a1Qu\u00e9 susto!<\/strong> Pens\u00e9 que hab\u00eda un ladr\u00f3n en la casa.
\n<\/em>(What a scare!<\/strong> I thought there was a burglar in the house.)\u00a0<\/p>\n

4. \u00a1Venga!<\/em><\/h2>\n

Venga<\/em> literally means \u201c(you) come,\u201d but it\u2019s used in the same way as the English exclamations \u201ccome on!\u201d or “yeah right.”<\/p>\n

Venga<\/strong>, t\u00edo. Vamos a perder el tren.
\n<\/em>(Come on<\/strong>, dude. We\u2019re going to miss the train.)<\/p>\n

Venga<\/strong>, no lo creo.
\n<\/em>(Yeah right<\/strong>, I don\u2019t believe it.)<\/p>\n

5. \u00a1<\/em>C\u00e1llate<\/em> (hombre)<\/em><\/h2>\n

\u00a1C\u00e1llate!<\/em>\u00a0means \u201cshut up!\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

The addition of\u00a0hombre<\/em>\u00a0(man\/dude) allows you to use it more softly, kind of how we\u2019ll laughingly say \u201cshut\u00a0up!\u201d\u00a0<\/em>to express disbelief in conversational English.<\/p>\n

\u00a1C\u00e1llate<\/strong>, hombre, por favor!
\n<\/em>(Please, man, just be quiet<\/strong>.)<\/p>\n

Also, like \u00a1Venga!<\/em> you can use it to mean \u201cbullsh*t\u201d:<\/p>\n

\u00a1C\u00e1llate<\/strong>, qu\u00e9 tonter\u00eda!
\n<\/em>(Shut up<\/strong>\u2026what nonsense!)<\/p>\n

6. \u00a1Ay!<\/em><\/h2>\n

It’s usually a friendly exclamation, though it can also be used to express sympathy, disgust, or surprise.<\/p>\n

Ay<\/strong>, pobrecito.
\n<\/em>(Aw<\/strong>, poor little thing.).<\/p>\n

\u00a1Ay!<\/strong>… \u00a1No me digas eso!<\/em>
\n(Don’t tell me that!)<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a1Ay!<\/strong> \u00a1Qu\u00e9 susto!
\n<\/em>(Woah!<\/strong> What a scare!)<\/p>\n

7. \u00a1Porque s\u00ed! \/ <\/em>\u00a1Porque no!<\/em><\/h2>\n

This is an exclamation you might use very often in Spanish when being asked “Why?” \u00a1Porque s\u00ed! <\/em>means “Just because!,” while \u00a1Porque no! <\/em>can mean “Just no.”<\/p>\n

\u00bfPor qu\u00e9 no vienes a la fiesta?
\n<\/em>(Why don’t you come to the party?)<\/p>\n

Porque no.<\/strong>
\n<\/em>(Just no.<\/strong>)<\/p>\n

\u00bfPor qu\u00e9 te gusta el helado?
\n<\/em>(Why do you like ice cream?)\u00a0<\/p>\n

Pues porque s\u00ed<\/strong>.
\n<\/em>(Well, just because<\/strong>.)\u00a0<\/p>\n

8. \u00a1F\u00edjate!<\/em><\/h2>\n

The reflexive verb fijarse<\/em> means to pay attention, so f\u00edjate<\/em> means “pay attention to this\/that.”<\/p>\n

You can use it to simply draw someone’s attention to something, but as an exclamation, it’s also used to express surprise, like “Look at that!”<\/p>\n

\u00a1Fijate!<\/strong> Creo que ese chico all\u00ed es un vlogger famoso.<\/em>
\n<\/em>(Look at that!<\/strong> I think the guy over there is a famous vlogger.)\u00a0<\/p>\n

9. \u00a1Joder!<\/em><\/h2>\n

That’s the most common swear word in Spain which is comparable to an F-bomb.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Swearing is a bit more acceptable in Spanish than it is in English, although make sure to listen out to whether other people are cursing to make sure you aren’t going to offend anyone.<\/p>\n

\u00a1Joder!<\/strong> Perdi mi pasaporte.
\n<\/em>(F***!<\/strong> I lost my passport.)\u00a0<\/p>\n

10. \u00a1Oye!<\/em><\/h2>\n

The meaning of \u00a1Oye!<\/em> is a bit like “Hey!” It’s used either to call someone’s attention or to object to something they have done or said.<\/p>\n

\u00a1Oye!<\/strong> \u00a1\u00bfQu\u00e9 haces?!
\n<\/em>(Hey!<\/strong> What are you doing?!)<\/p>\n

11. \u00a1Hala!<\/em><\/h2>\n

It’s used a bit like “Wow!” in English:<\/p>\n

\u00a1Hala!<\/strong> \u00a1Mira qu\u00e9 chula est\u00e1 la luna!
\n<\/em>(Wow!<\/strong> Look how pretty the moon is!)<\/p>\n

You can also use it to hurry someone up, like “Come on!”:<\/p>\n

\u00a1Hala<\/strong>, venga! \u00a1P\u00e1same la pelota!
\n<\/em>(Come on<\/strong>! Pass me the ball!)<\/p>\n

12. \u00a1Ol\u00e9!<\/em><\/h2>\n

This word is often associated with Flamenco, where people shout it to express that they’re impressed by the dancing and musical skills of the performers.<\/p>\n

However, it can be exclaimed to cheer someone on during any impressive performance.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a1Ol\u00e9!<\/strong> \u00a1Esa fue una canci\u00f3n impresionante!
\n<\/em>(Bravo!<\/strong> What an incredible song!)<\/p>\n

13. \u00a1Guay!<\/em><\/h2>\n

This word is used mostly in Spain. When used as an interjection, this expresses approval like \u201ccool\u201d or \u201cterrific.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n

\u00a1Guay!<\/strong> No esperaba que tuvi\u00e9ramos el mismo libro favorito.
\n<\/em>(Cool!<\/strong> I didn’t expect we’d have the same favorite book.)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

14. \u00a1Vale!<\/em><\/h2>\n

While this can also be a conjugation of\u00a0valer\u00a0<\/em>(to be worth\/to cost), in Spain,\u00a0vale\u00a0<\/em>is used as an interjection meaning \u201cokay.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a1Vale!<\/strong> Podemos encontrarnos en el restaurante.
\n<\/em>(Okay!<\/strong> We can meet at the restaurant.)\u00a0<\/p>\n

15. \u00a1\u00d3rale!<\/em><\/h2>\n

This word is used in Mexican-American slang and in parts of Mexico. It means \u201csure\u201d or \u201cokay.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a1\u00d3rale<\/strong>, te llamar\u00e9 m\u00e1s tarde!
\n<\/em>(Sure<\/strong>, I’ll call you later!)\u00a0<\/p>\n

It can also be used to express amazement or surprise, as well as to hurry someone up:<\/p>\n

\u00a1\u00d3rale<\/strong>, qu\u00e9 chido carro!
\n<\/em>(Wow<\/strong>, what a cool car!)\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a1\u00d3rale<\/strong>, ap\u00farate!
\n<\/em>(Come on<\/strong>, hurry up!)\u00a0<\/p>\n

16. \u00a1Guau!<\/em><\/h2>\n

This word can mean \u201cwow\u201d or \u201cwoof\u201d (as in\u00a0the noise a dog makes<\/a>) depending on the context.<\/p>\n

\u00a1Guau!<\/strong> \u00a1La vista desde esta altura es impresionante!
\n<\/em>(Wow<\/strong>, the view from up here is amazing!)\u00a0<\/p>\n

17. \u00a1Arriba!<\/em><\/h2>\n

Arriba<\/em>\u00a0<\/em>often means \u201cup,\u201d but as an interjection, it can also indicate approval or excitement.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n

Estoy seguro de que ganaremos este partido de f\u00fatbol. \u00a1Arriba<\/strong>, equipo!
\n<\/em>(I’m confident we’ll win this football game. Hooray<\/strong>, team!)\u00a0<\/p>\n

Arriba<\/em> can also act as a command meaning “wake up”:<\/p>\n

Arriba<\/strong>, ni\u00f1os, ya es hora de ir a la escuela.
\n<\/em>(Wake up<\/strong> kids, it’s time to go to school.)\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

18. \u00a1Bravo!<\/em><\/h2>\n

This is a tough one.\u00a0Bravo\u00a0<\/em>means \u201cbravo.\u201d In either language, it\u2019s used to applaud a good job.<\/p>\n

\u00a1Bravo!<\/strong> \u00a1Felicidades por tu ascenso!
\n<\/em>(Bravo!<\/strong> Congratulations on your promotion!)\u00a0<\/p>\n

Qu\u00e9 actuaci\u00f3n tan maravillosa, \u00a1bravo!<\/strong>
\n<\/em>(What a wonderful performance, bravo!<\/strong>)\u00a0<\/p>\n

19. \u00a1Gracias a Dios!\/ \u00a1Bendito sea Dios!<\/em><\/h2>\n

Gracias a Dios<\/em>\u00a0literally means \u201cthank God,\u201d while\u00a0Bendito sea Dios<\/em>\u00a0means \u201cGod be praised.\u201d<\/p>\n

Both are used like the English expressions \u201cthank God\u201d or \u201cthank goodness.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a1Bendito sea Dios!<\/strong> Dej\u00e9 caer mi tel\u00e9fono en la piscina, pero a\u00fan funciona.
\n<\/em>(Thank God!<\/strong> I dropped my phone into the pool, but it’s still working.)<\/p>\n

20. \u00a1Menos mal!<\/em><\/h2>\n

This phrase is used to express relief. It literally means \u201cless bad.\u201d It\u2019s similar to the English words \u201cwhew\u201d and \u201cphew.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a1Menos mal!<\/strong> Iba a pensar que mi jefe se iba a enojar conmigo, pero se olvid\u00f3 completamente de mi error.
\n<\/em>(Whew!<\/strong> I thought my boss was going to get mad at me, but he forgot all about my mistake.)\u00a0<\/p>\n

21. \u00a1C\u00e1spita!<\/em><\/h2>\n

Though it has no direct translation, it\u2019s used to denote admiration like the English word\u00a0\u201cwonderful.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a1C\u00e1spita!<\/strong> Este es el mejor chocolate caliente que he probado<\/em> nunca.
\n(Gosh!<\/strong> This is the best hot chocolate I’ve ever tasted.)\u00a0<\/p>\n

22. \u00a1Dale!<\/em><\/h2>\n

Dale\u00a0<\/em>can mean \u201cgo for it,\u201d but it can also mean \u201cokay\u201d or “go ahead” depending on the context:<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n

\u00a1Dale!<\/strong> Siempre has querido probar el surf.
\n<\/em>(Go for it!<\/strong> You’ve always wanted to try surfing.)<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n

\u00bfPuedo hacer un discurso para tu boda?
\n<\/em>(Can I make a speech for your wedding?)<\/p>\n

S\u00ed, dale<\/strong>.
\n<\/em>(Yeah, go ahead<\/strong>.)\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

23. \u00a1Claro!<\/em><\/h2>\n

Claro\u00a0<\/em>and its sister phrase\u00a0claro que s\u00ed\u00a0<\/em>are both used to mean \u201cof course.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00bfPuedo hacerte una pregunta?
\n<\/em>(Can I ask you a question?)<\/p>\n

S\u00ed, claro<\/strong>.
\n<\/em>(Yes, of course<\/strong>.)\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a1Claro que s\u00ed!<\/strong> Definitivamente voy.
\n<\/em>(Of course!<\/strong> I’m definitely going.)\u00a0<\/p>\n

24. \u00a1Hurra!<\/em><\/h2>\n

This is used like \u201churrah\u201d or \u201churray.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a1Hurra!<\/strong> \u00a1Acaban de anunciar que nuestro equipo gan\u00f3 el primer lugar!
\n<\/em>(Hurray!<\/strong> They just announced our team won first place!)<\/p>\n

25. \u00a1Che!<\/em><\/h2>\n

This interjection from Argentina and Uruguay is used like \u201cbro\u201d or \u201cdude”:<\/p>\n

\u00a1Nos vemos luego, che<\/strong>!
\n<\/em>(See you later, dude<\/strong>!)<\/p>\n

However, it can also be a greeting like \u201chey\u201d or even as a phrase to question understanding such as \u201cright?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a1Che!<\/strong> \u00a1Qu\u00e9 onda!
\n<\/em>(Hey!<\/strong> What’s up?)<\/p>\n

26. \u00a1Buen provecho!<\/em><\/h2>\n

This literally means \u201cgood benefit,\u201d but it\u2019s used to mean\u00a0\u201cbon appetit.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Ahora que todos est\u00e1n aqu\u00ed, podemos empezar a comer. \u00a1Buen provecho!<\/strong>
\n<\/em>(Now that everyone’s here, we can start eating. Enjoy the food!<\/strong>)<\/p>\n

27. \u00a1Buena suerte!<\/em><\/h2>\n

Buena suerte\u00a0<\/em>simply\u00a0means \u201cgood luck.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n

\u00a1Buena suerte!<\/strong> Estoy seguro de que te ir\u00e1 bien en tu examen de conducir.
\n<\/em>(Good luck!<\/strong> I’m sure you’ll do well on your driving exam.)\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

28. \u00a1Huy!<\/em><\/h2>\n

Huy<\/em>\u00a0often indicates pain, like \u201cow\u201d or \u201couch.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a1Huy!<\/strong> \u00a1Acabas de pisarme el pie!
\n<\/em>(Ouch!<\/strong> You just stepped on my foot!)<\/p>\n

But because the world is a strange and confusing place, it can also be used as \u201coops,\u201d \u201cjeez\u201d or even \u201cwow.\u201d<\/p>\n

29. \u00a1H\u00edjole!<\/em><\/h2>\n

Used primarily in Mexico and Central America, this term indicates shock and surprise.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s similar to \u201cjeez\u201d or \u201cwow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a1H\u00edjole!<\/strong> No me di cuenta de que hab\u00eda gastado todo mi dinero.
\n<\/em>(Geez!<\/strong> I didn’t realize I’d spent all my money.)\u00a0<\/p>\n

30. \u00a1Uf!<\/em><\/h2>\n

This interjection indicates exhaustion.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s much like the English word \u201coof\u201d or the Upper Midwestern phrase \u201cuff da.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a1Uf!<\/strong> Estoy tan exhausta que no puedo levantarme de la cama.
\n<\/em>(Oof!<\/strong> I’m so exhausted I can’t get out of bed.)<\/p>\n

31. \u00a1Qu\u00e9 horror!<\/em><\/h2>\n

Qu\u00e9 horror\u00a0<\/em>literally means \u201cwhat horror.\u201d<\/p>\n

It\u2019s similar to the English phrase \u201chow awful.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a1Qu\u00e9 horror!<\/strong> Me encontr\u00e9 una una rata en el ba\u00f1o.
\n<\/em>(What horror!<\/strong> I saw a rat in the bathroom.)<\/p>\n

32. \u00a1Qu\u00e9 l\u00e1stima!<\/em><\/h2>\n

Qu\u00e9 l\u00e1stima\u00a0<\/em>means \u201cWhat a pity\u201d or \u201cWhat a shame\u201d:<\/p>\n

Mi hermano no vendr\u00e1 a la fiesta. \u00a1Qu\u00e9 l\u00e1stima!<\/strong>
\n<\/em>(My brother won’t come to the party. What a shame!<\/strong>)\u00a0<\/p>\n

If you want to change it up, you can also try\u00a0qu\u00e9 pena\u00a0<\/em>which means pretty much the same.\u00a0<\/p>\n

33. \u00a1Bah!<\/em><\/h2>\n

In both Spanish and English, \u201cbah\u201d denotes disapproval or contempt.<\/p>\n

\u00a1Bah!<\/strong> No me importa si mis padres no lo aprueban.
\n<\/em>(Bah!<\/strong> I don’t care if my parents disapprove of it.)\u00a0<\/p>\n

34. \u00a1\u00dajule!<\/em><\/h2>\n

This expression of surprise can either express disapproval or admiration.<\/p>\n

\u00a1\u00dajule!<\/strong> No esperaba que este restaurante estuviera tan lleno incluso a las 3 de la tarde.
\n<\/em>(Oh wow!<\/strong> I didn’t expect this restaurant would be so crowded even at 3 PM.)\u00a0<\/p>\n

It\u2019s most common in Mexico.<\/p>\n

35. \u00a1Por Dios!<\/em><\/h2>\n

This can mean \u201cfor God\u2019s sake\u201d or \u201cGod, help me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a1Por dios<\/strong>, esto<\/em> es tan complicado!
\n<\/em>(For God’s sake<\/strong>, this is so complicated!)\u00a0<\/p>\n

36. \u00a1Ay de m\u00ed!<\/em><\/h2>\n

Ay de m\u00ed\u00a0<\/em>means approximately\u00a0\u201coh my\u201d or \u201cpoor me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a1Ay de m\u00ed!<\/strong> Acabo de enterarme de que tengo que trabajar este fin de semana.
\n<\/em>(Poor me!<\/strong> I just found out that I have to work this weekend.)<\/p>\n

37. \u00a1Porfis!\/ \u00a1Porfi!\/ \u00a1Porfa!<\/em><\/h2>\n

Porfis, profi <\/em>and porfa\u00a0<\/em>are all cutesy ways to abbreviate\u00a0por favor\u00a0<\/i>(please), similar to “pretty please” in English.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00bfPodemos quedarnos con el cachorro, mam\u00e1? \u00a1Porfis!<\/strong>
\n<\/em>(Can we keep the puppy, Mom? Please!<\/strong>)\u00a0<\/p>\n

To keep your pride intact, you might want to avoid using\u00a0porfis\u00a0<\/em>and\u00a0porfi\u00a0<\/i>in conversation since it\u2019ll make you seem a bit desperate, unless you want to sound a bit baby-like or sound jokingly silly.\u00a0<\/p>\n

38. <\/em>\u00a1<\/em>\u00c1ndale!<\/em><\/h2>\n

It comes from the word andar<\/em>\u00a0meaning \u201cto go\/walk\/take\/work\/be\/act.\u201d<\/p>\n

You really need to judge the context because it can mean \u201churry up,\u201d \u201ccome on\u201d or \u201call right” depending on the situation.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a1\u00c1ndale<\/strong>, ya casi llegas! No te rindas.
\n<\/em>(Come on<\/strong>, you’re almost there! Don’t give up.)\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a1\u00c1ndale<\/strong>, pues! Te puedo prestar mi libro hasta la pr\u00f3xima semana.
\n<\/em>(All right<\/strong>, then! I can lend you my book until next week.)<\/p>\n

39. \u00a1Ojo!\/ \u00a1Cuidado!<\/em><\/h2>\n

Ojo<\/em>\u00a0literally means \u201ceye\u201d while\u00a0cuidado<\/em> means \u201ccareful,\u201d but both words are used to urge caution like the English phrases “Watch out!” and \u201cLook out!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a1Ojo<\/strong>, no te distraigas!
\n<\/em>(Watch out<\/strong>, don’t get distracted!)<\/p>\n

\u00a1Cuidado!<\/strong> El piso est\u00e1 mojado.
\n<\/em>(Look out!<\/strong> The floor is wet.)<\/p>\n

40. \u00a1Ojal\u00e1!<\/em><\/h2>\n

Ojal\u00e1\u00a0<\/em>is used like \u201cI hope so\u201d:<\/p>\n

Creo que llover\u00e1 ma\u00f1ana.
\n<\/em>(I think it will rain tomorrow.)<\/p>\n

Ojal\u00e1.<\/strong>
\n<\/em>(I hope so.<\/strong>)<\/p>\n

41. \u00a1Aj\u00e1!<\/em><\/h2>\n

Aj\u00e1\u00a0<\/em>can mean \u201caha\u201d or \u201cuh-huh.\u201d It\u2019s used to denote understanding or to reply to a question in the affirmative:<\/p>\n

Aj\u00e1<\/strong>, te entiendo.
\n<\/em>(Uh-huh<\/strong>, I understand you.)\u00a0<\/p>\n

It can also, however, indicate surprise or acknowledgment sort of like \u201coh\u201d:<\/p>\n

\u00a1Aj\u00e1!<\/strong> Por eso me pareces familiar: nos conocimos en la fiesta de la semana pasada.
\n<\/em>(Aha!<\/strong> That’s why you look familiar to me\u2014we met at the party last week.)<\/p>\n

42. \u00a1Qu\u00e9 b\u00e1rbaro!<\/em><\/h2>\n

Qu\u00e9 b\u00e1rbaro\u00a0<\/em>literally means \u201chow barbaric,\u201d so you think this would express disapproval.<\/p>\n

However, it\u2019s often used to mean \u201chow cool\u201d or \u201chow terrific,\u201d particularly in Argentina:<\/p>\n

\u00a1Qu\u00e9 b\u00e1rbaro!<\/strong>\u00a0<\/em>Tocas el piano muy bien.
\n<\/em>(How cool!<\/strong> You play the piano very well.)\u00a0<\/p>\n

43. \u00a1Caramba!<\/em><\/h2>\n

Sometimes used in the spoken phrase \u201cay, caramba,\u201d caramba\u00a0<\/em>usually indicates a positive surprise, though it can be negative.<\/p>\n

It can mean \u201cwow\u201d or \u201cdarn\u201d depending on the context.<\/p>\n

\u00a1Caramba!<\/strong> \u00a1Estas pinturas son incre\u00edbles!
\n<\/em>(Wow!<\/strong> These paintings<\/a> are incredible!)<\/p>\n

44. \u00a1Caracoles!<\/em><\/h2>\n

Caracoles\u00a0<\/em>literally mean \u201csnails\u201d or \u201cshells,\u201d but when used as an interjection, it\u2019s an expression of surprise like \u201cgood heavens.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a1Caracoles!<\/strong> \u00bfDe d\u00f3nde sacaste todo ese pastel?
\n<\/em>(Good heavens!<\/strong> Where did you get all that cake?)<\/p>\n

45. C\u00f3rcholis!\/ \u00a1Rec\u00f3rcholis!<\/em><\/h2>\n

C\u00f3rcholis<\/em>\u00a0and\u00a0rec\u00f3rcholis\u00a0<\/em>denote surprise and sometimes annoyance or anger like the English phrases\u00a0\u201cgee whiz\u201d and \u201cgood Lord.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a1Rec\u00f3rcholis!<\/strong> Definitivamente est\u00e1s enfermo, est\u00e1s tosiendo muy fuerte.
\n<\/em>(Gee whiz!<\/strong> You’re definitely sick, you’re coughing so hard.)\u00a0<\/p>\n

46. \u00a1Vaya!<\/em><\/h2>\n

You may know it as a conjugation of the verb\u00a0ir<\/em> (to go), but as an interjection, it usually indicates surprise, like \u201cwow,\u201d <\/em>or even “oh no.”\u00a0<\/p>\n

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\u00a1Vaya!<\/strong> No puedo creer lo que veo.
\n<\/em>(Wow!<\/strong> I can’t believe my eyes.)\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

It can also mean \u201cwhat a\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a1Vaya<\/strong> l\u00edo! Hay pintura por todo el sof\u00e1.
\n<\/em>(What<\/strong> a mess! There’s paint all over the sofa.)\u00a0<\/p>\n

47. \u00a1Ave Mar\u00eda!<\/em><\/h2>\n

Ave Mar\u00eda\u00a0<\/em>references the Virgin Mary, but it\u2019s usually used to express excitement or stress, as is its sister phrase Ave Mar\u00eda pur\u00edsima.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a1Ave Mar\u00eda pur\u00edsima!<\/strong> Me olvid\u00e9 de pagar mi factura del tel\u00e9fono.
\n<\/em>(Holy cow!<\/strong> I forgot to pay my phone bill.)\u00a0<\/p>\n

Though technically part of a prayer, these phrases are now commonly used as interjections.<\/p>\n

Why Learn Spanish Interjections?<\/h2>\n

Well. There are several reasons to learn interjections.<\/p>\n

First, they\u2019re key conversational tools<\/strong>. Whether you notice or not, you probably use several interjections in any conversation you have in English. You may even notice them liberally littered throughout this article. If you don\u2019t also have these key tools in your Spanish vocabulary, your conversations will be sorely lacking.<\/p>\n

Furthermore, they\u2019re a quick and easy way to show emotions<\/strong>. One simple word or phrase can express an emotion that would normally take many more words to clarify. Take, for instance, the English-language interjection \u201cUgh.\u201d It\u2019s a much more concise way of expressing \u201cI am not pleased with this.\u201d<\/p>\n

Finally, they\u2019re fun<\/strong>. After all, you might not be up for a full-length conversation in Spanish, but shouting Spanish when you stubbed your toe seems much less intimidating. These interjections will add a lot of color to your daily vocabulary.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There are many exclamations and interjections in Spanish, and each Spanish-speaking region of the world will have different ones that they use most often.\u00a0<\/p>\n

You can delve into a great telenovela<\/a> <\/i>(full of emotional moments as we all know), or a video-based immersion program like FluentU<\/a> to absorb how natives use exclamations and interjections.

FluentU<\/strong> takes authentic videos\u2014like music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talks\u2014and turns them into personalized language learning lessons.<\/p>\r\n

You can try FluentU for free for 2 weeks. Check out the website or download the iOS app<\/a> or Android app.<\/a><\/p>\r\n

P.S. Click here to take advantage of our current sale! (Expires at the end of this month)<\/a><\/i>\r\n<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n \"FluentU\r\n

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