How to say "ugh" in Japanese

• くっ
  interjectionA less common grunt of irritation or frustration — closer to 'tch' or 'damn' than to disgust, the sound of seething when something goes wrong.
• ゲッ
  interjectionThe 'ugh' of disgust or revulsion — what you blurt at something gross or sickening, matching 'yuck', 'ick' and 'blech' rather than anger or effort.
  「店みせのばーさんは、すげー愛想あいそ悪わるいんだけどさー」「大輝だいき、聞きこえとるぞ」「げっ・・・」↗

  "The old lady of this shop is very unsociable but ..." "Taiki, I can hear you!" "Ack!"
• けっ
  interjectionA colloquial 'ugh' let out when angry or irritated — nearer 'ack' or 'tsk' than to disgust; it overlaps with くっ in expressing annoyance.
• えいや
  interjectionAs an 'ugh' this is marginal: it is really a shout of effort like 'heave' or 'go for it', used when lifting, pushing or throwing yourself into a task.
• よいや
  interjectionAlso really an effort shout — 'heave-ho' or 'oof' — so as an 'ugh' it is marginal; think of heaving or straining at something heavy, not of disgust or irritation.

Use 「ゲッ」 for disgust, 「くっ」 or 「けっ」 for irritation or anger, and 「えいや」 or 「よいや」 for grunts of physical effort; all are interjections, so pick by the feeling behind the 'ugh'.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• くっtch
• げっugh
• けっugh (when angry, irritated, etc.)
• えいやgo for it
• よいやheave-ho
• 卍まんじwow
• わっugh (dissatisfaction, aggravation)
• うへっugh
• よいやさheave-ho