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

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Word relationships

Register variants

1 item

• 哎 āi 哎 āi hey! less formal or dialectal variant: hey!

Synonyms

1 item

• 哎呀 āi yā 哎呀 āi yā interjection of wonder, shock or admiration expressing surprise or sudden realization: interjection of wonder, shock or admiration

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 唉唉 āi āi: (onom.) sighing voice
• 唉姐 唉姐 āi jiě: granny (dialect)
• 唉声叹气 唉声叹气 āi shēng tàn qì: sighing voice, wailing breath (idiom)