ho
A call used to attract other people's attention or call out to someone.
EXAMPLE
Ho, ihr da am Ufer, wartet auf uns!
Ho, you there on the shore, wait for us!
ho
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Meanings
ho
A call to an animal or person telling them to stop or halt.
EXAMPLE
Ho, Pferd, ganz ruhig!
Ho, horse, easy!
ho
An exclamation expressing astonishment or surprise; this use usually sounds humorous or archaic.
EXAMPLE
Ho, das ist ja eine überraschende Nachricht!
Ho, that is surprising news!
Usage tips
Sentence position and comma
'Ho' is usually placed at the beginning of a call and separated by a comma from the person or group being addressed or from the rest of the sentence. It can also stand alone as a short exclamation.
EXAMPLE
Ho, ihr dort hinten, nehmt uns mit!
Ho, you back there, take us with you!
Ho! Bleibt stehen!
Ho! Stop right there!
Register and style
In present-day standard German, 'Ho' usually sounds theatrical, old-fashioned, or humorous. It is especially common in historical scenes, literary texts, and humorous imitations of such scenes.
EXAMPLE
Ho, edler Ritter, wohin des Weges?
Ho, noble knight, where are you off to?
Surprised reaction
When used to express surprise, 'Ho' is often followed directly by a surprising statement or exclamation. The person being addressed is then usually not the focus.
EXAMPLE
Ho, damit habe ich wirklich nicht gerechnet!
Ho, I really didn't expect that!
In real life
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