Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
哟(喲)yō(y5o1)
哟 (yō) is a sentence-final particle used in Mandarin to express exhortation or to indicate slight surprise, similar to 'oh!' in English. It adds an emotional nuance to statements, often conveying a sense of enthusiasm or urgency. Commonly used in informal speech, it can also serve as a syllable filler in songs or casual conversations.
Strokes9Radical口Frequency#2271DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, using 哟 can convey warmth and friendliness in conversation, making interactions feel more engaging and lively. It's often used in greetings or when sharing good news among friends.
Memory Tip
Imagine someone giving a cheerful shout of 'Yo!' when they see something surprising or exciting. The character 哟 resembles a person with an open mouth, exclaiming in surprise. The sound 'yō' can be remembered as the joyous call of 'Yo!' which echoes excitement.
Meanings of 哟
yō(y5o1)
primary
1ah, final particle
2Oh! (interjection indicating slight surprise)
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 哟
哟Simplified
喲Traditional
9Strokes
口Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 哟
Podcast: 哟
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 哟
Usage Notes
哟 is primarily used in informal contexts, so avoid it in formal writing or speeches. A common mistake is to use it too liberally; it's best suited to exclamations or lighthearted comments. Be aware of the tone change; using it in a flat tone can diminish its expressive quality.
HSK Study Tips
Though 哟 is not included in the HSK vocabulary list, it enriches conversational skills at lower levels by adding expression. Students should focus on its usage in casual dialogues, as it enhances emotional expression in speech.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 哟 in formal contexts, thinking it adds emphasis when it actually detracts from the professionalism of the language. For example, saying '请您哟参加会议' (Please attend the meeting, yo) is incorrect; instead, stick with '请您参加会议.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 哟
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 哟 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Phonosemantic compound. 口 represents the meaning and 约 represents the sound. Simplified form of 喲.
1The meaning half口 carries the sense.
2The sound half约 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawaymouth
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 哟? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 哟?
Decomposition of 哟
IDS Structure⿰口约
哟Full Character
=
口kou3
left
约yao1
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 哟?
How to say ah, final particle in Chinese
“ah, final particle” in Chinese is哟yō
哟 (yō) is a sentence-final particle used in Mandarin to express exhortation or to indicate slight surprise, similar to 'oh!' in English. It adds an emotional nuance to statements, often conveying a sense of enthusiasm or urgency. Commonly used in informal speech, it can also serve as a syllable filler in songs or casual conversations.
When to use 哟
哟 is primarily used in informal contexts, so avoid it in formal writing or speeches. A common mistake is to use it too liberally; it's best suited to exclamations or lighthearted comments. Be aware of the tone change; using it in a flat tone can diminish its expressive quality.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use 哟 in formal contexts, thinking it adds emphasis when it actually detracts from the professionalism of the language. For example, saying '请您哟参加会议' (Please attend the meeting, yo) is incorrect; instead, stick with '请您参加会议.'
Write 哟
哟
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 哟 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 哟
哟 carries 4 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Exercise 1 of 5
Complete the Sentence
他们今天会说，“哎____，我们犯了个错误。”
Today they're saying, "Oops, we made a mistake."
Example Sentences for 哟 (10)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
他们今天会说，“哎哟，我们犯了个错误。”
tā mén jīn tiān huì shuō，“ ，“ āi， yō ， wǒ mén fàn le gè。”
Today they're saying, "Oops, we made a mistake."
2
哎哟，好痛。
āi yō， ， hǎo。
Ouch. That hurt.
3
“哟，好烫啊，”他说。
“ “， yō ， hǎo，” tàng ā。
"Whew," he said. "It's hot."
4
哎哟！小心点，你差点把咖啡洒得到处都是。
āi yō！ ！ xiǎo xīn， diǎn ， nǐ chà diǎn bǎ kā fēi sǎ dé dào chǔ。
Whoops! Careful, you almost spilt coffee everywhere.
5
“ 天哪! ” 和 “ 哎哟 ” 都是感叹词.
“ “ tiān!” nǎ“ ! ” hé” “ āi yō ” dū.
" Good Heavens! " and " Ouch ! " are interjections.
6
“哟，什么味道这么难闻啊？”她大喊道。
“ “， yō ， shí mó wèi dào zhè mó nán？” wén ā ？” tā。
"Whew! What is that terrible smell?" she cried.
7
哎哟! 真疼啊.
āi yō! ! zhēn téng.
Ouch! It really hurts.
8
哎哟,真疼 啊 !
āi yō, , zhēn téng!
Ow ! It really hurts!
9
哎哟！你踩着我的脚指头了！
āi yō！ ！ nǐ cǎi zháo wǒ de jiǎo zhǐ tóu！
Ouch! You trod on my toe!
10
哎哟！我差点把酒洒了。
āi yō！ ！ wǒ chà diǎn bǎ jiǔ sǎ。
Oops! I almost spilled the wine.
Word Family of 哟
Words Containing This Character3
哟yō(syllable filler in a song)喲
哎哟hey哎喲
啊哟Oh啊喲
Exercise 1 of 3
Compound Meaning
What does 哟 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 哟
Use 哟 at the end of sentences to express excitement or surprise, particularly in informal contexts.
No, 哟 is considered informal and should be avoided in formal writing or serious discussions.
Yes, 哟 is often used as a syllable filler in songs, adding rhythm and emotional expression.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 哟?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.
