(interjection used to attract attention or to express surprise or disapprobation)
HSK 5, e, 8 strokes, radical 口, rank #2416, Hard
哎
āi
interjection of surprise
HSK 5, e, 8 strokes, radical 口, rank #2416, Hard
āi(ai1) T1
1hey!
2(interjection used to attract attention or to express surprise or disapprobation)
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March 24, 2026
哎āi(ai1)
The character 哎 (āi) is an interjection commonly used to attract attention or express surprise, disappointment, or disapproval. It often conveys a feeling of resignation or exasperation in conversational contexts, reflecting a speaker's emotional state. This character is frequently used in everyday conversations among friends or in informal settings.
Strokes8Radical口Frequency#2416DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, 哎 often reflects a communal understanding of emotions, allowing speakers to express feelings of frustration or surprise succinctly. It is a marker of empathy in conversations, showing that speakers share the emotional weight of a situation.
Memory Tip
Think of 哎 (āi) as a person sighing in exasperation, 'Ah!' as they try to get your attention. The radical 哀 (āi) suggests sadness or a sigh, aligning with the emotional undertones of the interjection.
Meanings of 哎
āi(ai1)
1hey!
2(interjection used to attract attention or to express surprise or disapprobation)
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 哎
哎Simplified
8Strokes
口Radical
叹词tàncíinterjection (interj.)Part of Speech
#2416Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2
Podcast: 哎
Podcast: 哎
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AI Study Notes for 哎
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 哎 (āi) as a person sighing in exasperation, 'Ah!' as they try to get your attention. The radical 哀 (āi) suggests sadness or a sigh, aligning with the emotional undertones of the interjection.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone, as 哎 is pronounced with the first tone (āi) but can easily be mispronounced. It is informal, so avoid using it in formal contexts. Common collocations include 哎呀 (āiyā), an expression of surprise or realization.
HSK Study Tips
At HSK Level 5, students should focus on the emotional subtleties of 哎 and how it can change meaning based on context. It connects well with other interjections and expressions of emotion learned at this level, enhancing conversational skills.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, 哎 often reflects a communal understanding of emotions, allowing speakers to express feelings of frustration or surprise succinctly. It is a marker of empathy in conversations, showing that speakers share the emotional weight of a situation.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mispronounce 哎 as 'ái' (second tone) instead of 'āi' (first tone). Additionally, some may confuse it with 哀 (āi), which carries a more somber meaning.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 哎
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Grammar Patterns of 哎
哎 functions as an interjection — a standalone exclamation. It typically opens the sentence (啊！哎呀！) and is set off by a pause or comma. It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
"A talking pig!" he exclaimed. "Well, I'll be darned."
Cultural Notes for 哎
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, 哎 often reflects a communal understanding of emotions, allowing speakers to express feelings of frustration or surprise succinctly. It is a marker of empathy in conversations, showing that speakers share the emotional weight of a situation.
Word Family of 哎
Words Containing This Character3
哎āihey!
哎呀āiyāinterjection of wonder, shock or admiration
哎哟hey哎喲
Exercise 1 of 3
Compound Meaning
What does 哎 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 哎
No, 哎 is considered informal and is best used in casual conversations.
Common phrases include 哎呀 (āiyā) to express surprise or 哎哟 (āiyō) to show mild pain or annoyance.
Yes, 哎 specifically conveys surprise or exasperation, whereas other interjections might express joy or confusion.
