唉

ài

HSK 3.0 Level 5 Interjection Common

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This word has multiple dictionary entries. Choose the reading or usage you want to review.

唉

ài Interjection alas; oh dear

唉

āi interjection or grunt of agreement or recognition (e.g. yes, it's me!); to sigh

Definitions

1. alas
2. oh dear

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Character focus

Stroke order

10 strokes

Word relationships

Register variants

1 item

哎

āi

hey!

less formal or dialectal variant

Synonyms

1 item

哎呀

āi yā

interjection of wonder, shock or admiration

expressing surprise or sudden realization

Usage notes

Formality

唉 (ài) is common in spoken Chinese to express disappointment or resignation. Using it in formal writing is rare.

Example Sentences

1 shown

唉，我忘了带钥匙。

Oh dear, I forgot to bring my keys.

AI-generated examples are marked with this icon.

Words Containing 唉

唉唉

āi āi

(onom.) sighing voice

granny (dialect)

sighing voice, wailing breath (idiom)

唉