Chinese Conversation · Level 39
90 words
Chinese word
唉
Pronunciation
Pinyināi
Meaning
- interjectionsigh
Example
唉，今天真累。āi jīn tiān zhēn lèi
Sigh, I am really tired today.
More examples
唉，我又忘了带钥匙。āi wǒ yòu wàng le dài yào shi
Sigh, I forgot to bring my keys again.
Core concept
A small spoken release of emotional pressure, ranging from regret and resignation to weary reproach.
Common phrases
唉，没办法āi méi bàn fǎ
sigh, no choice
唉，真无奈āi zhēn wú nài
sigh, truly helpless
唉，太可惜了āi tài kě xī le
sigh, what a shame
Similar words
哎āi: A brief call used to attract attention or begin speaking to someone.
哎呀āi yā: A brief exclamation of surprise, slight confusion, or mild dismay.
哎哟āi yō: A brief cry caused by sudden pain or surprise.
Definition in Chinese
用来表示遗憾、无奈或轻微责备的短促叹息，常见于口语，可单独成句或置于句首以加强情感色彩。yòng lái biǎo shì yí hàn wú nài huò qīng wēi zé bèi de duǎn cù tàn xī cháng jiàn yú kóu yǔ kě dān dú chéng jù huò zhì yú jù shǒu yǐ jiā qiáng qíng gǎn sè cǎi
Word origin
The character 唉 (āi, "a sighing interjection") combines 口 (kǒu, "mouth") with 矣 (yǐ, "final particle"), using the mouth to suggest a voiced response and 矣 mainly to supply the sound.
Usage tips
- In written dialogue, a standalone occurrence can form a complete conversational turn, with the surrounding situation and the speaker's voice supplying the exact shade of feeling.
Other meanings
- ahinterjection
- whewinterjection
Related words
- 唉声叹气āi shēng tàn qìsigh and lamentidiom