jo
“jo” means “jeez” in Spanish (expressing annoyance or disappointment).
jeez, man
Also: darn, shoot
📝 In Action
¡Jo! Otra vez he perdido el autobús.
A2Jeez! I missed the bus again.
Jo, qué mala suerte tienes con el tiempo.
B1Man, you have such bad luck with the weather.
¡Jo, mamá! No quiero comer verduras.
B1Darn it, mom! I don't want to eat vegetables.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: jo
Question 1 of 3
Which situation is best for using 'jo'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
A shortened, 'polite' version of the vulgar word 'joder.' It was created to allow speakers to express the same emotion without using offensive language.
First recorded: Modern era usage (20th century)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'jo' a bad word?
No, it is not considered a swear word. It is a very mild, common expression that is socially acceptable in informal settings.
Do people in Mexico use 'jo'?
It is much more common in Spain. In Mexico, you are more likely to hear '¡ay!' or other local expressions for frustration.
Can I use 'jo' at the end of a sentence?
Usually, it is placed at the very beginning of a sentence or used as a standalone exclamation.