Entry
ほう
hou
An exclamation like 'oh' or 'ho' expressing surprise or admiration, or a sound imitating an owl or a flute.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
In conversation, 'hou' acts as an interjection used to react with admiration, interest, or slight surprise when realizing something new. As an onomatopoeia (usually written in Katakana as ホー), it represents the hooting sound of an owl or the smooth, airy tooting of a flute or empty bottle.
- exclamation of surprise or admiration
- sound of an owl or flute
Sense Map
Exclamation (Surprise/Admiration)
An exclamation uttered when realizing or hearing something interesting, surprising, or admirable (like 'Oh' or 'Wow').
ほう、それは面白い。
Owl Sound
The hooting sound of an owl. Usually written in katakana and often repeated.
フクロウがホーホーと鳴く。
Flute / Blowing Sound
The sound of air being blown into a hollow object like a flute or bottle.
笛をホーと吹く。
Usage Note
How to Use
ほう、〜 (At the beginning of a sentence)
Functions as a reactive interjection. The following sentence usually contains an impression, admiration, or conclusion.
ホーホーと + Verb (e.g., 鳴く)
Often repeated as ホーホー to emphasize the continuous nature of the sound, especially the hooting (鳴く) of an owl.
ホーと + Verb (e.g., 吹く, 鳴る)
Indicates a single, long, blowing sound, such as someone tooting (吹く) a flute or the wind blowing softly.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ほう、なるほど
Oh, I see (expressing understanding)
ほう、すごいですね
Oh, that's amazing
フクロウがホーと鳴く
An owl hoots
笛をホーと吹く
To blow a flute (toot)
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Reacting to impressive new info | neutral/positive | Shows understanding and admiration, often sounding like an experienced or composed person. |
| Owl sound | neutral | Used as an onomatopoeia to mimic an owl's hoot (ホー). |
| Wind instrument sound | neutral | Describes a stable, airy blowing sound, like a flute or blowing into an empty bottle. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぴーぴー ぴーぴー / contrast | Used for high-pitched sounds like a whistle, the chirping of small birds, or a shrill flute. | ピーピー represents a sharp, piercing, and high-pitched tone, whereas ホー is a softly resonating puff of air or the call of a large animal like an owl. | やかんがピーピーと鳴る。 |
ぷー ぷー / contrast | Used for the sound of a trumpet, a car horn, or the vibrating sound of lips/air like a fart. | プー often implies a harsh vibration (like a brass instrument), whereas ホー is a pure, hollow flow of air or a natural resonating sound. | ラッパをプーと鳴らす。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using ほう (hou) as a polite response 'yes' to a boss or teacher.
ほう is an exclamation of surprise or admiration, often from a somewhat elevated perspective. Using it toward a superior can sound presumptuous or arrogant. Use 'はい' or 'なるほど' (politely) instead.
Writing the owl sound or flute sound in Hiragana (ほう).
In general, animal onomatopoeia and the sounds of inanimate objects are written in Katakana (ホー). Hiragana (ほう) is mostly reserved for the human exclamation.
Examples
Examples
ほう、なるほど。そういうことですか。
ほう、なるほど。そういうことですか。
Oh, I see. So that's how it is.
FigurativeUsed at the beginning of a sentence to show understanding after hearing a new explanation.
ほう、君がそのテストで満点を取ったのか。
ほう、きみがそのテストでまんてんをとったのか。
Ho, so you're the one who got a perfect score on that test.
FigurativeExpresses admiration and mild surprise at someone's achievement.
夜の森で、フクロウがホーと鳴いている。
よるのもりで、フクロウがホーとないている。
In the night forest, an owl is hooting 'hoo'.
LiteralCan also be repeated as ホーホー to emphasize the owl's continuous sound.
お祭りの笛がホーと鳴り響いた。
おまつりのふえがホーとなりひびいた。
The festival flute tooted 'hoo' and echoed.
LiteralDescribes the sound of a wind instrument tooting with a somewhat hollow tone.
ほう、なかなか美味しいじゃないか。
ほう、なかなかおいしいじゃないか。
Oh, this is actually quite delicious, isn't it?
FigurativeUsed when pleasantly surprised because something is better than expected.
Similar Words
ピーピー
piipii
A word representing high-pitched repeated sounds like beeps or chirps, as well as figurative states like having diarrhea, being broke, or being a novice. High-pitched and sharp instrument/animal sound, contrasting with the low, hollow tone of ホー.
プー
puu
プー (puu) represents a flat, sustained sound of air or gas being expelled, such as a toot, honk, or puff. The vibrating sound of a horn or flatulence, unlike the smooth airflow of ホー.
Questions
Is 'hou' similar to saying 'uh-huh' or 'yes'?
No. 'Hou' is an exclamation of surprise or realization, similar to 'Oh!' or 'I see!'. Using it to simply agree with a boss or teacher can sound arrogant or overly familiar.
Should I write it in Hiragana or Katakana?
Hiragana (ほう) is mostly used for the human interjection (Oh!). Katakana (ホー) is used when mimicking animal sounds (like an owl's hoot) or instruments.
Who typically uses 'hou' in conversation?
While anyone can use it, in media it is often associated with older, wiser characters or men in positions of authority expressing mild surprise. Others might prefer 'hee' (へえ) for casual surprise.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2771030
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- Needs review
- Active language
- English
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