Is "ouch" universal?

Question

Does every language have it's own "ouch", like if a german stubbed his toe would he scream "ouch"! or would it be another word because he speaks another language? What does a chinaman say? A swede?

Answer 1

In German it's autsch, which you pronounce like your ouch (English and German are both Germanic languages). But we say "au" and "aua" or "ah" and "atsch" as well.

In Italian it's "ai", "aia" and "aio". In fact, this is a word you always exclaim in your mothertongue. Or you're bilingual or it is not that bad if you exclaim pain in another language.

Answer 2

something that is categorically true, regardless of who believes it. for example, it is true that i have asked questions on this website, whether or not i can provide evidence or whether anyone believes it is true. this is a universal truth, ie. whatever conditions you decide upon and whatever you believe, it is still true. a non-universal truth would be something like "chocolate is good". that is something true, but not in every context and situation. for example, some people don't think it is good, as they don't like it (!), and it is not good for your health in too high a quantity. thus, it is not universally true. i think you are talking about something more fundamental. you seem to describe the reaction some people feel when they learn some major new concept about life, the universe and/or everything. it is what drives philosophy, and what you call universal truth is probably philosophy.

Answer 3

it is different in every language. i know that because when i first moved to america, i was little, i didn't know much language. when my cousin said "ouch" i was like "what does that mean?" every language has it's own "ouch" just like other words. i hope this answers your question.

Answer 4

ouch is pretty universal, but it varies a bit person to person, even at my German school no one could say weather you said ouch in a certain language

Answer 5

"ouch" is not universal, I didn't know what it meant before learning English.

In French, we say "aïe"

Answer 6

In Arabic, we say AAAKH so "ouch" is not universal.

Answer 7

In the Philippines, we say "aray." Although, many people tend to mix English with Filipino and it sometimes comes out as "arouch." I kid you not with this.

Answer 8

More than likely but there are a couple of other words used more!

Answer 9

In Polish it's 'au!' - quite similar, really

Answer 10

In Peru you say "auu" or "ayayay" (Spanish speakers) and "atatau" (Quechuan Speakers)

Answer 11

Mexico: aaay!

Answer 12

in Spanish we say it, at least in buenos aires (Argentina)

Answer 13

in portugal we cry "eye!!!!"

Answer 14

bahahaa



i dont know..

Answer 15

in chicago we would say ..............who the#$$%%^ put that there