Meaning
Used to show that you are surprised or astonished by something.
Cultural Background
Americans often use this phrase with high energy to show support for friends. The British often use this phrase with a dry, ironic tone to express mild annoyance. In formal Japanese settings, expressing surprise is often done with more subtle body language rather than loud exclamations.
Watch your tone
Your tone of voice changes the meaning from happy to sarcastic.
Social usage
Use it to show you are listening to your friend.
Meaning
Used to show that you are surprised or astonished by something.
Watch your tone
Your tone of voice changes the meaning from happy to sarcastic.
Social usage
Use it to show you are listening to your friend.
Test Yourself
Complete the phrase.
____ a surprise!
The correct structure is 'What a + noun'.
Which is correct?
Choose the correct exclamation.
You need the article 'a' and the noun 'surprise'.
Match the situation to the reaction.
Your friend gives you a gift.
This is the appropriate reaction to a gift.
Complete the dialogue.
A: I won the lottery! B: ____!
Winning the lottery is a major surprise.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises____ a surprise!
The correct structure is 'What a + noun'.
Choose the correct exclamation.
You need the article 'a' and the noun 'surprise'.
Your friend gives you a gift.
This is the appropriate reaction to a gift.
A: I won the lottery! B: ____!
Winning the lottery is a major surprise.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsYes, it is fine for informal emails to friends.
No, it is generally polite unless used sarcastically.
It is part of the exclamatory noun phrase structure.
No, that is not a standard exclamation.
No, it can be used for bad news too.
Use a rising intonation for genuine surprise.
Related Phrases
That's a surprise
similarA complete sentence version.
I'm surprised
similarExpressing personal state.
What a shock
similarStronger than surprise.
