Skip to Content

Log in / Sign up

wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow

What Does Ehhh Mean (and Why Do People Say It)?

Download Article

What someone really means when say they say "ehhh" in a text

Co-authored by Anyah Le Gilmore-Jones and Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: May 30, 2024 Fact Checked

Download Article

Ehhh Meaning

|

How to Respond

|

Alternatives for “Ehhh”

|

“Ehhh” in Japanese

From showing surprise to requesting clarification, “ehhh” can mean several different things when it pops up on your phone screen. We’re here to help you decode the meaning in your own messages, so you can be totally in the loop. We’ll even go over some alternatives for “ehhh” (along with some bonus cultural context), so you can have the full picture.

What does “ehhh” mean?

“Ehhh” is a casual way to show surprise in a conversation, or it can be used to ask for a further explanation about something. In some cases, “ehhh” can be used to disagree with or show disinterest to something within a conversation.

Section 1 of 4:

“Ehhh” Meaning in Text

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/37\/Ehhh-Meaning-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Ehhh-Meaning-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/37\/Ehhh-Meaning-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-Ehhh-Meaning-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

1
Showing surprise Did you just drop a bombshell in a conversation or say something otherwise unexpected? A person might reply with “Ehhh?” to show how shocked and off-guard they are.
- Person A: “We have to read all of Chapter 9 by tomorrow.”
  Person B: “Ehhh?”
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d3\/Ehhh-Meaning-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Ehhh-Meaning-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d3\/Ehhh-Meaning-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Ehhh-Meaning-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

2
Requesting an explanation If you sent a message that the other person found confusing, they might send an “Eh?” or “Ehhh?” to try and clear things up. ^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Person A: “//////////////////iiyycs”
  Person B: “Ehhh?”
  Person A: “LOL sorry my cat just stepped on my keyboard”
Advertisement
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9c\/Ehhh-Meaning-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Ehhh-Meaning-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9c\/Ehhh-Meaning-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Ehhh-Meaning-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

3
Expressing disagreement or disinterest Did you just make a suggestion or ask someone’s opinion of something? If their response was “ehhh,” they might disagree with or be disinterested in your original statement.
- Person A: “Wanna see a movie on Friday?”
  Person B: “Ehhh…”

Advertisement

Section 2 of 4:

How to Respond to “Ehhh”

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/97\/Ehhh-Meaning-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Ehhh-Meaning-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/97\/Ehhh-Meaning-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Ehhh-Meaning-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
Follow the natural flow of the conversation. “Ehhh” can mean a lot of different things, and there isn’t a “right” or “wrong” way to answer—it all depends on where your text convo and how well you know the person you’re speaking with.
- Person A: “Ehhh?! You’re dating someone?”
  Person B: “No need to act so surprised 😛”
- Person A: “I think I have a case of pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis.”
  Person B: “Ehhh?”
  Person A: “I breathed in some volcanic ash.”
- Person A: “Are you a fan of horror movies?”
  Person B: “Ehhh…”
  Person A: “That’s fair. I’m not a huge fan myself.”

Section 3 of 4:

Alternatives for “Ehhh”

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f1\/Ehhh-Meaning-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Ehhh-Meaning-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f1\/Ehhh-Meaning-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Ehhh-Meaning-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

1
Showing surprise: “Are you serious?” Any standard expression of surprise can work in lieu of “ehhh.” Add a little personality and drama to your messages with alternatives like:
- OMG what?!
- You’re kidding me…
- Huh?!
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/50\/Ehhh-Meaning-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Ehhh-Meaning-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/50\/Ehhh-Meaning-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Ehhh-Meaning-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

2
Requesting an explanation: “Come again?” If you’re confused about what someone’s said, it’s totally valid (and good!) to ask for a little clarification and make sure you’re on the same page.
- Could you repeat that?
- Sorry, I didn’t quite get that…
- Would you mind explaining that again?
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/36\/Ehhh-Meaning-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Ehhh-Meaning-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/36\/Ehhh-Meaning-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Ehhh-Meaning-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

3
Expressing disagreement or disinterest: “Nah…” How you choose to disagree with or decline something in a conversation ultimately depends on who you’re speaking with. Don’t feel like you have to mince words by saying “ehhh”—instead, be respectfully straightforward about what’s on your mind.
- Nah, I’m not interested.
- That’s not my cup of tea.
- No thanks!
- Tip: If you’re declining an invitation , you don’t have to give a long-winded explanation. You’re completely within your rights to just say no ! ^{[2]
  X
  Research source}

Advertisement

Section 4 of 4:

“Ehhh” in Japanese

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/98\/Ehhh-Meaning-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Ehhh-Meaning-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/98\/Ehhh-Meaning-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-Ehhh-Meaning-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
“Ehhh” is used in Japan to show surprise or request clarification. Spelled as either “え?” or “えーーー？！” (え is pronounced as “eh”), this response is a pretty common element of Japanese jargon. When confused, someone might say “え” to get clarification on something confusing. ^{[3]
X
Research source} Alternatively, they might say “えーーー？！” as a more dramatic exclamation when they’re surprised. ^{[4]
X
Research source}
- In Japanese, “え” (eh) and “えっと” (etto) can be used as filler language in a conversation (like “uh” or “um”). ^{[5]
  X
  Research source}
- According to some Japanese speakers, “eh?” can also be used as a means of saying no, or as a way to show happiness (like when responding to a compliment).

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Advertisement

Tips

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

You Might Also Like

Advertisement

References

About This Article

Co-authored by:

Anyah Le Gilmore-Jones

Social Media Marketing Expert

This article was co-authored by Anyah Le Gilmore-Jones and by wikiHow staff writer, Janice Tieperman . Anyah Gilmore-Jones is a Social Media Marketing Expert based in Nashville, Tennessee. An innovative experiential and social media marketer, Anyah is skilled at creating engaging brand experiences and leverages her passion for connecting people and ideas to drive organic growth for purpose-driven brands. As the founder of GROW by Gilmore, a social media strategy company, Anyah develops data-driven social media strategies focused on authentic community building. She has over 4 years of experience spearheading viral campaigns and producing content for brands like HBCU Buzz, Black & Scholared, SHEIN, and Project Art Collective. She received her BA from Howard University in Political Science and Government. This article has been viewed 1,087 times.

How helpful is this?

Co-authors: 5

Updated: May 30, 2024

Views: 1,087

Categories: English Vocabulary

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,087 times.

Did this article help you?

Advertisement

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve

X

-

-

436

.mwimg a.image{display:none}#header_logo{display:none}#cse-search-box{display:none}#cse-search-box-noscript{display:block !important}#cse-search-box-noscript .cse_q{color:#FFF;background-color:#B3CE9C}.wh_search .cse_q{width:88%}#mw-mf-main-menu-button{display:none;visibility:hidden}.header .search{display:none}#search_footer .cse_sa{background-image:url(/extensions/wikihow/mobile/images/white_mag.png);background-size:22px}.related_box{display:block;background:#EEE;border:5px solid #FFF;vertical-align:bottom;width:127px;background-size:180px;float:left;height:120px;position:relative}.related_box p{line-height:15px !important;font-size:13px;background-color:rgba(67,95,44,.4);color:#FFF;font-weight:bold;padding:8px;margin:0 !important;position:absolute;bottom:0}#noscript_header_logo{display:table-cell;vertical-align:middle;background-position:50% 77%;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-image:url(/extensions/wikihow/mobile/images/wikihow_logo_230.png);background-size:105px;width:auto;height:51px;padding:0 14px}.articleinfo{display:none}#iorg_free_data{z-index:50;width:100%;position:fixed}#ara_recommendations{display:none}

Design a Mobile Website

View Site in Mobile | Classic

Share by: