Entry
ウホウホ
uhouho
ウホウホ represents the hooting sound of a gorilla, or metaphorically being highly excited and overjoyed.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
ウホウホ is an onomatopoeia that mimics the hooting or bellowing sounds made by monkeys and apes, especially gorillas. Figuratively, it describes a state of extreme excitement, high spirits, or being overjoyed, often with a comical or uncontained undertone.
- animal hooting
- highly excited
Sense Map
Animal Sound
Mimics the hooting or bellowing sound of an ape or gorilla.
ゴリラがウホウホと鳴く
High Excitement
Describes a person being extremely happy, overjoyed, or in very high spirits, often due to unexpected good fortune.
ボーナスが出てウホウホだ
Usage Note
How to Use
ウホウホする
Functions as a verb meaning to be highly excited or overjoyed.
ウホウホと + verb
Acts as an adverb modifying an action, usually expressing how excitedly someone rejoices or how an animal hoots.
ウホウホだ
Used to describe one's state of extreme happiness or good fortune.
ウホウホ + verb
Directly modifies a verb to describe an excited state, similar to 'ウホウホと'.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ウホウホする
to be highly excited
ウホウホ喜ぶ
to rejoice excitedly
ウホウホと鳴く
to hoot (like a gorilla)
ウホウホ状態
a state of great excitement
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Describing animals | neutral | Used literally to mimic the 'ooh ooh' sound of apes and gorillas. |
| Receiving unexpected money or gifts | positive | Carries a comical nuance of uncontained joy, like jumping around excitedly. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
いそいそ いそいそ / similar | Use to describe someone cheerfully and restlessly looking forward to or preparing for an event. | Does not have the uncontained, intense, or somewhat comical 'ape-like' excitement of ウホウホ. | いそいそと出かける |
きゃぴきゃぴ きゃぴきゃぴ / similar | Use to describe lively, youthful, often high-pitched excitement, typically associated with young girls. | Lacks the sense of suddenly gaining a windfall or the deeper, rougher intensity of ウホウホ. | きゃぴきゃぴはしゃぐ |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it to express polite or calm gratitude.
ウホウホ implies a comical, almost animalistic level of excitement, so avoid it in formal situations.
Thinking it only applies to animals.
It is very commonly used metaphorically for humans who are overjoyed, especially about money or unexpected gains.
Examples
Examples
ゴリラがウホウホと鳴く。
ゴリラがウホウホとなく。
A gorilla hoots.
LiteralUsed literally for animal sounds.
ボーナスがたくさん出て、ウホウホだ。
ボーナスがたくさんでて、ウホウホだ。
I got a large bonus and I'm overjoyed.
FigurativeOften used when receiving a financial windfall.
子供たちは新しいおもちゃをもらってウホウホしている。
こどもたちはあたらしいおもちゃをもらってウホウホしている。
The children are highly excited after getting new toys.
FigurativeShows uncontainable enthusiasm.
彼はくじ引きで一等賞を当てて、ウホウホ喜んでいる。
かれはくじびきでいっとうしょうをあてて、ウホウホよろこんでいる。
He is rejoicing excitedly after winning first prize in the lottery.
FigurativeSuitable for celebrating a win.
探していたレアアイテムを手に入れて、ウホウホ状態になっている。
さがしていたレアアイテムをてにいれて、ウホウホじょうたいになっている。
I am in a state of high excitement having obtained the rare item I was looking for.
FigurativeUsed as a noun phrase meaning a state of extreme happiness.
Similar Words
いそいそ
isoiso
Describes acting or moving cheerfully and eagerly in anticipation of something pleasant. Cheerful happiness when looking forward to something.
きゃぴきゃぴ
kyapikyapi
Describes a bubbly, high-spirited, and energetic attitude, typically associated with young girls acting cute. Youthful and energetic excitement.
Questions
Can I use ウホウホ in a business setting?
No, it is very casual and has a comical, slightly animalistic undertone. It is inappropriate for formal situations.
Is ウホウホ only used for gorillas?
While it originates as a gorilla or monkey sound, it is widely used to describe humans who are incredibly happy or excited.
Does ウホウホ have a negative meaning?
Generally it is positive, describing happiness, but it can sound slightly foolish or overly enthusiastic if used to describe someone else's behavior.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2862708
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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