15초 만에
- Expresses surprise, amazement, or admiration.
- Best used in casual conversations.
- Avoid in very formal or somber situations.
- A versatile exclamation for positive reactions.
뜻
강한 놀람, 감탄 또는 흥분을 표현하는 데 사용됩니다. 그것은 순전한 불신, 기쁨 또는 경외감 등 감정의 급증을 전달하는 말 그대로의 숨가쁨과 같습니다.
주요 예문
3 / 11Texting a friend about a surprise party
Wow! You guys actually pulled it off!
Wow! You guys actually pulled it off!
Watching a movie with amazing special effects
Wow, that CGI was incredible!
Wow, that CGI was incredible!
Receiving unexpected praise from a boss
Wow, thank you! I really appreciate that feedback.
Wow, thank you! I really appreciate that feedback.
문화적 배경
Americans are known for 'enthusiasm inflation.' Using 'Wow!' frequently is seen as being supportive and friendly. If you don't say 'Wow' when someone shows you something, they might think you are unhappy or bored. British speakers might use 'Wow' less frequently than Americans, often preferring 'Oh, right' or 'Gosh.' A very loud 'Wow' in a quiet British setting might be seen as 'too much' or 'very American.' In Japan, reacting with surprise (aizuchi) is a vital part of conversation. While they use 'Sugoi,' English learners in Japan often adopt 'Wow' quickly because it fits the cultural habit of frequent verbal feedback. Germans value directness. While 'Wow' is used, it is usually reserved for things that are truly impressive. Using it for small, everyday things might seem insincere to some Germans.
The 'O' Shape
For a natural sound, make sure your mouth forms a clear 'O' in the middle of the word.
Sarcasm Alert
If you say 'Wow' too flatly, people will think you are being mean or bored.
15초 만에
- Expresses surprise, amazement, or admiration.
- Best used in casual conversations.
- Avoid in very formal or somber situations.
- A versatile exclamation for positive reactions.
What It Means
Wow! is your instant reaction button for the unexpected. It signals surprise, amazement, or admiration. It's short, punchy, and universally understood. It’s like a verbal gasp of delight or shock. You use it when something truly catches your attention. It’s not just a word; it’s an emotional outburst. It’s the sound you make when you see something incredible. It’s pure, unadulterated reaction.
How To Use It
You can use Wow! in almost any situation. See a stunning sunset? Wow! Hear amazing news? Wow! Taste incredible food? Wow! It’s super versatile. You can say it alone or add more words. For example, Wow, that’s incredible! or Wow, I didn’t expect that! It’s often followed by a description of what impressed you. It’s a great conversation starter. It shows you’re engaged and impressed.
Formality & Register
Wow! leans heavily informal. You’ll hear it everywhere, from texts to casual chats. It’s rarely appropriate in very formal settings. Think board meetings or solemn ceremonies. It might sound out of place there. However, it can be used in professional contexts with colleagues you know well. It’s all about the vibe and your relationship. A little wow can break the ice. Just read the room, okay?
Real-Life Examples
- You see a friend’s new haircut:
Wow! It looks amazing! - Your team wins a crucial game:
Wow! What a comeback! - You see a breathtaking view while hiking:
Wow! I can’t believe this is real. - Your child shows you a drawing:
Wow, honey, that’s fantastic! - You receive an unexpected gift:
Wow! You didn’t have to do that! - Someone tells a wild story:
Wow, no way! Tell me more.
When To Use It
Use Wow! when you’re genuinely surprised. This includes positive surprises. Think great news or stunning sights. It’s perfect for moments of admiration. Someone does something impressive? Wow! You see something beautiful? Wow! It’s also great for expressing excitement. Your favorite band released a new song? Wow! It’s for those moments that make you stop and notice. It’s a genuine, heartfelt reaction.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid Wow! in super formal situations. A funeral? Probably not. A very serious business negotiation? Unlikely. If you’re delivering bad news, Wow! is inappropriate. It can sound insensitive or flippant. Also, don't overuse it. Constant wows lose their impact. It might make you seem easily impressed or insincere. Save it for the real moments.
Common Mistakes
Wow, I am so sorry for your loss.
✓I am so sorry for your loss. (Using Wow! here sounds jarringly informal and insensitive).
Wow, the report is due today.
✓Oh, the report is due today. (Using Wow! for a mundane reminder sounds odd. Better to use a neutral expression).
Sometimes people use Wow! sarcastically. This can be tricky. Make sure your tone matches the intent. Sarcasm needs careful delivery. Otherwise, people might think you're genuinely impressed. Oops!
Common Variations
Whoa!(Similar, often more surprise/disbelief)OMG!(Oh My God! - very common, expresses strong emotion)No way!(Expresses disbelief or surprise)Incredible!(More formal admiration)Amazing!(Similar toIncredible!, strong admiration)Holy cow!(Older, folksy expression of surprise)Jeez!(Can express surprise, but often negative)
Real Conversations
Scenario 1: Reacting to a photo
Friend 1: Check out this pic from my vacation!
Friend 2: Wow! That beach looks absolutely stunning!
Friend 1: Right? I couldn't believe my eyes.
Scenario 2: Praising a skill
Colleague 1: I just finished coding that new feature.
Colleague 2: Wow! You’re so fast! It looks great.
Colleague 1: Thanks! Glad you like it.
Scenario 3: Expressing surprise at news
Person A: Guess what? I got the promotion!
Person B: Wow! That’s fantastic news! Congratulations!
Person A: Thank you! I’m so excited.
Quick FAQ
Q. Is Wow! always positive?
A. Mostly, yes. It usually expresses positive surprise or admiration. But it can sometimes express shock at something negative. Context is key!
Q. Can I use Wow! in an email?
A. In a very casual email to a close colleague, maybe. For most professional emails, it's too informal. Stick to words like Excellent or Impressive.
사용 참고사항
As a versatile interjection, 'Wow!' is primarily used in informal spoken English and casual written communication like texts or social media. It's crucial to avoid using it in formal documents, professional emails, or situations requiring solemnity, as it can sound out of place or even disrespectful. Its strength lies in its immediacy and genuine emotional expression.
The 'O' Shape
For a natural sound, make sure your mouth forms a clear 'O' in the middle of the word.
Sarcasm Alert
If you say 'Wow' too flatly, people will think you are being mean or bored.
Active Listening
Use a quiet 'wow' while someone is telling a story to show you are listening without interrupting them.
American Style
Don't be afraid to sound 'too excited' in the US; it's usually seen as a positive trait!
예시
11Wow! You guys actually pulled it off!
Wow! You guys actually pulled it off!
Expresses genuine surprise and delight at the successful surprise party.
Wow, that CGI was incredible!
Wow, that CGI was incredible!
Shows admiration for the visual effects.
Wow, thank you! I really appreciate that feedback.
Wow, thank you! I really appreciate that feedback.
Expresses surprise and gratitude for positive professional feedback.
Wow! This view is absolutely breathtaking. #travelgoals
Wow! This view is absolutely breathtaking. #travelgoals
Used to convey strong admiration for a scenic landscape.
Wow! This tastes amazing. What's your secret?
Wow! This tastes amazing. What's your secret?
Expresses delight and admiration for the delicious food.
Wow! The skill is unreal!
Wow! The skill is unreal!
A quick, enthusiastic reaction to impressive talent.
Wow, I'm really excited about the possibility of joining your team.
Wow, I'm really excited about the possibility of joining your team.
Shows enthusiasm, but use with caution in formal settings.
✗ Wow, I'm so sorry to hear about your dog.
✗ Wow, I'm so sorry to hear about your dog.
This sounds inappropriate and insensitive when expressing sympathy.
✗ Wow, the coffee is hot.
✗ Wow, the coffee is hot.
This diminishes the impact of 'Wow!' for truly surprising moments.
Wow, that meme is legendary!
Wow, that meme is legendary!
Exaggerated praise for comedic effect.
Wow! I've never seen anything like it.
Wow! I've never seen anything like it.
Conveys deep admiration and wonder.
셀프 테스트
Choose the best response to the situation.
Your friend shows you their new, expensive sports car. What do you say?
'Wow! It's beautiful!' expresses the appropriate admiration for a positive surprise.
Fill in the missing word.
The magician's tricks really ______ the audience.
We need the past tense verb form here to describe the effect on the audience.
Match the 'Wow' tone to the situation.
Situation: Someone tells a very boring story they think is exciting.
A flat, short 'wow' is the classic way to show sarcasm or lack of interest.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'I just found out I won the lottery!' B: '_______! That's life-changing!'
Winning the lottery is a massive surprise, making 'Wow' the perfect fit.
🎉 점수: /4
시각 학습 자료
Wow vs. Whoa
연습 문제 은행
4 연습 문제Your friend shows you their new, expensive sports car. What do you say?
'Wow! It's beautiful!' expresses the appropriate admiration for a positive surprise.
The magician's tricks really ______ the audience.
We need the past tense verb form here to describe the effect on the audience.
Situation: Someone tells a very boring story they think is exciting.
A flat, short 'wow' is the classic way to show sarcasm or lack of interest.
A: 'I just found out I won the lottery!' B: '_______! That's life-changing!'
Winning the lottery is a massive surprise, making 'Wow' the perfect fit.
🎉 점수: /4
비디오 튜토리얼
이 표현에 대한 YouTube 동영상 강좌를 찾아보세요.
자주 묻는 질문
12 질문Yes, it is a recognized interjection, verb, and noun in the English language.
Yes, but sparingly. It's best for congratulating a colleague or reacting to very good news.
'Wow' is for admiration/surprise. 'Whoa' is for shock or telling something to stop.
Yes, it can express shock at something bad, like 'Wow, that's a huge mess.'
The plural is 'wows,' as in 'The show received many wows from the critics.'
Yes, if they share good news or an impressive result, a 'Wow, that's great' is very natural.
Repeating it three times emphasizes that the surprise is very big or hard to believe.
No, it is a standard interjection, though it is informal in tone.
It's risky. It's better to use 'Oh no' or 'That's terrible' for sad news.
It means to be greatly impressed by something or someone.
Yes, it is very common in the UK, though sometimes used with more restraint than in the US.
Use a low, flat voice with no emotion. 'Wow. You're so funny.'
관련 표현
Whoa
similarStop or slow down; also surprise.
Amazing
synonymVery impressive.
No way
similarI don't believe it.
Holy cow
similarAn old-fashioned exclamation of surprise.
The wow factor
builds onA quality that makes something impressive.
Wowed
specialized formTo be impressed.
