whew

IPA/hwjuː/
KK[wˈu]IPA/hwjuː/

whew — exclamation

1. said when a danger, strain, or anxious moment has just ended and you can relax a

1.感嘆詞A2
釋義

said when a danger, strain, or anxious moment has just ended and you can relax again.

例句

Whew, the loose ladder did not hit anyone in the yard.

Whew, + relief after a close call

After the dentist finished, Adina laughed and said, "Whew, no more drilling."

quoted relief after a stressful task

同義詞
  • phew

    the same reaction word with a different spelling

  • thank goodness

    more verbal and more clearly expresses gratitude

  • what a relief

    usually comes after the cry rather than replacing it

反義詞
  • oh no

    used when bad news arrives instead of when danger has passed

文法句型

Whew, + clause after a close call

"Whew!" + when worry or danger ends

用法筆記

Often followed by a short comment about the danger or stress that has just ended. Distinguish from sense 2: this use is about relief, not admiration or delight.

常見錯誤

❌Whew, the exam starts tomorrow.
✅Whew, the exam is over.
💡use this sense after the pressure ends, not before it begins.
❌I whew when the plane landed.
✅I said "whew" when the plane landed.
💡use 'whew' as a reaction word, not as the main verb.

2. said when something suddenly seems impressive, exciting, or unexpectedly good.

2.感嘆詞A2
釋義

said when something suddenly seems impressive, exciting, or unexpectedly good.

例句

Whew, that violin solo filled the hall with bright, wild energy.

Whew, + admiration after a performance

Hiro opened the video and whispered, "Whew, that ending is beautiful."

quoted reaction to something impressive

同義詞
  • wow

    more common and more openly positive

  • whoa

    often carries surprise or the need to pause, not just admiration

  • gosh

    milder and slightly more old-fashioned

反義詞
  • oh no

    signals alarm or disappointment rather than pleased surprise

文法句型

Whew, + reaction to something impressive

"Whew!" + after seeing or hearing something striking

用法筆記

Usually reacts to something impressive, pleasing, or unexpectedly good. Distinguish from sense 1: speakers are not escaping danger here; they are reacting to what they have just seen or heard.

常見錯誤

❌Whew, your grandmother is in hospital.
✅Oh no, your grandmother is in hospital.
💡this sense does not fit sad or worrying news.
❌The report ended with whew results.
✅The report ended with impressive results.
💡use 'whew' as a spoken reaction, not as an adjective before a noun.

3. said when the air feels too warm or too close and your body feels uncomfortable

3.感嘆詞A2
釋義

said when the air feels too warm or too close and your body feels uncomfortable from the heat.

例句

Whew, this attic has no fan and the air will not move.

Whew, + complaint about stuffy heat

By lunch, Aylin pulled off her jacket and said, "Whew, this room is baking."

quoted reaction to a hot room

同義詞
  • phew

    the same reaction word with another spelling

  • oof

    can show physical strain or discomfort, often after effort

  • ugh

    shows annoyance or disgust more generally, not only heat

文法句型

Whew, + comment on heat or stuffy air

say "whew" while feeling hot

用法筆記

Most often heard in a hot room, a crowded vehicle, or another stuffy place. Distinguish from sense 4: this use points to heat in the air rather than tired muscles after effort.

常見錯誤

❌Whew, the sea is freezing today.
✅Brr, the sea is freezing today.
💡this sense reacts to heat, not to cold weather or cold water.
❌The office was whew all afternoon.
✅The office was very hot all afternoon.
💡use 'whew' as an exclamation, not as an adjective.

4. said when hard work or strong physical effort has left you feeling very tired.

4.感嘆詞A2
釋義

said when hard work or strong physical effort has left you feeling very tired.

例句

Whew, my arms are shaking after carrying those water boxes upstairs.

Whew, + tired body after effort

After the last dance, Dylan sat down and said, "Whew, I need water."

quoted reaction after exertion

同義詞
  • phew

    the same interjection with another spelling

  • oof

    often stronger and rougher, especially after impact or heavy effort

文法句型

Whew, + comment after effort

say "whew" when you need a rest

用法筆記

Common after physical effort or a long busy task. Distinguish from sense 3: the strain comes from tiredness itself, not from the air being hot or stuffy.

常見錯誤

❌Whew, the race starts in ten minutes.
✅I'm nervous
💡the race starts in ten minutes.' — this sense comes after effort, not before it.
❌I felt whew after the stairs.
✅I felt tired after the stairs.' / 'I said "whew" after the stairs.
💡use 'whew' for the reaction, not as an adjective for your feeling.

whew — noun