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"Ay" is a form of "ay", an interjection which is often translated as "ow". "Güey" is a noun which is often translated as "dude". Learn more about the difference between "güey" and "ay" below.
el güey(
gwehee
)
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
masculine noun
1.
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
(colloquial)
(form of address)
Regionalism used in Mexico
(Mexico)
a. dude
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
(colloquial)
Regionalism used in the United States
(United States)
¿Estudiaste para el examen? - Claro, güey. No quiero reprobar.Did you study for the test? - Of course, dude. I don't want to fail.
¡Híjole, güey! Ya te cayó el chahuistle.Uh-oh, dude! You're in for it now.
b. man
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
(colloquial)
¡Apúrate, güey! Vamos a llegar tarde.Hurry up, man! We're gonna be late.
c. mate
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
(colloquial)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
(United Kingdom)
¡Tranquilo, güey! Solo estaba bromeando.Relax, mate! I was only joking with you.
2.
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
(colloquial)
(man)
Regionalism used in Mexico
(Mexico)
a. guy
Nunca me cayó bien ese güey.I've never liked that guy.
b. dude
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
(colloquial)
¿Te crees lo que dijo ese güey?Can you believe what that dude said?
3.
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
(colloquial)
(fool)
Regionalism used in Mexico
(Mexico)
a. idiot
Eres un güey. ¿Cómo se te ocurre publicar esa foto en tu blog?You're an idiot. How could you upload that photo to your blog?
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ay(
ay
)
An interjection is a short utterance that expresses emotion, hesitation, or protest (e.g., Wow!).
interjection
a. ow
¡Ay! ¡Acabas de pisarme el pie!Ow! You just stepped on my foot!
b. ouch
¡Ay! ¡Cómo duele!Ouch! That really hurts!
a. oh dear
¡Ay! Me han robado todo.Oh dear! All my things have been stolen.
b. jeez
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
(colloquial)
¡Ay! Me asustaste.Jeez! You scared me.
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
masculine noun
a. cry
Su ay se oyó en todo el recinto.His cry could be heard everywhere.
b. moan
De repente, el perro soltó un ay de dolor.All of a sudden, the dog let out a painful moan.
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