uh-huh

IPA/ʌ ˈhʌ/
KK[ˈʌhˈʌ]IPA/ʌ ˈhʌ/

uh-huh — exclamation

1. a spoken sound written as 'uh-huh' that people make in conversation to show they

1.exclamationA2
Definition

a spoken sound written as 'uh-huh' that people make in conversation to show they agree with what someone has said, understand what is being explained, or are listening and want the speaker to continue talking

Example

"Are you coming to the party?" "Uh-huh, I will be there around eight."

uh-huh used as an informal yes in conversation

Jude answered with a quiet "uh-huh" when the teacher checked his homework.

uh-huh to confirm or acknowledge a check

Synonyms
  • yes

    neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts; 'uh-huh' is more casual

  • yeah

    also informal but more common in North America than 'uh-huh'; 'yeah' can begin a sentence, while 'uh-huh' usually stands alone

  • mm-hmm

    a similar nasal sound with the same function; 'uh-huh' is more clearly articulated

Antonyms
  • uh-uh

    the opposite sound meaning 'no'; distinguished by pitch pattern — 'uh-uh' has a falling tone on the second syllable

  • no

    the direct opposite in meaning; 'no' is more formal and can be used in writing

Usage Note

This word is only used in spoken conversation or in informal writing that records speech. It cannot replace 'yes' in formal writing, job applications, or academic essays. The sound is pronounced with a rise in pitch on the second syllable, unlike 'uh-uh' (a fall on the second syllable), which means 'no.'

Common Mistakes

I uh-huh the question.
I said "uh-huh" to show I agreed.
'uh-huh' is an interjection, not a verb; it cannot be used as a main verb in a sentence.
The student wrote uh-huh on the exam form.
The student said "uh-huh" when the teacher asked if he was ready.
'uh-huh' is a spoken sound, not a written answer on formal documents.

Synonym discussion

Sense: exclamation/1

'Yes,' 'yeah,' 'uh-huh,' and 'mm-hmm' all express agreement or affirmation, but they differ in formality and conversation role. 'Yes' is neutral and standard for both speech and writing — it works in a job interview or on a form. 'Yeah' is its informal spoken cousin, widely used in casual conversation across all English varieties. 'Uh-huh' is more than just 'yes' — it also signals that you are actively listening and want the speaker to continue, making it essential in natural back-and-forth conversation. 'Mm-hmm' is the most casual of the four, a nasal sound that often indicates passive listening rather than strong agreement. For example, on the phone you might respond with 'Uh-huh' throughout a friend's story to show you are following along, whereas 'Yes' would sound stiff and formal in the same situation.

uh-huh ↗yes ↗yeah ↗mm-hmm

Etymology

English

'Uh-huh' is a natural speech sound found across many languages, arising from a simple nasal breath pattern with a pitch rise. In English, it has been recorded in writing since at least the early 20th century as a way to spell the conversational sound of agreement or continued attention.