Meanings of 嗐
By ear
Play it, then pick what 嗐 means.
About 嗐
Podcast: 嗐
Podcast: 嗐
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI study notes for 嗐
嗐 is an informal expression and should be used in casual conversations rather than formal settings. Common mistakes include confusing it with similar expressions of surprise or frustration. It's often used in a context where someone reflects on a loss or missed opportunity.
While 嗐 is not included in the HSK vocabulary list, understanding it can enhance your grasp of emotional expressions in Mandarin. Focus on how it relates to other emotional exclamations, particularly those expressing regret like 唉 (āi).
Learners often confuse 嗐 with 唉 (āi), which expresses a different nuance of sighing. For example, saying '我嗐，我失去了机会' (I regret, I lost the opportunity) is incorrect; it should be '我唉，我失去了机会' to express disappointment more appropriately.
Pronunciation of 嗐
Drill the tone of 嗐, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 嗐 to you
Let me explain 嗐 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 嗐 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
How well do you know 嗐?
Learning Lab
Knowing 嗐 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Etymology of 嗐
Origin
嗐 = 口 + 害. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 嗐
Parts
Which of these is part of 嗐?
How to say alas! in Chinese
“alas!” in Chinese is嗐
嗐 (hài) is an exclamation used to express regret or disappointment, similar to saying 'alas!' in English. It often conveys a sense of lamentation or sorrow, typically in response to unfortunate news or situations. This character is used in informal contexts and can express mild emotional reactions.
When to use 嗐
嗐 is an informal expression and should be used in casual conversations rather than formal settings. Common mistakes include confusing it with similar expressions of surprise or frustration. It's often used in a context where someone reflects on a loss or missed opportunity.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 嗐 with 唉 (āi), which expresses a different nuance of sighing. For example, saying '我嗐，我失去了机会' (I regret, I lost the opportunity) is incorrect; it should be '我唉，我失去了机会' to express disappointment more appropriately.
Write 嗐
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 嗐 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Ask Jason
Have a question about 嗐?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
Word Family of 嗐
Frequently asked questions about 嗐
Use 嗐 when you want to express disappointment or regret in a casual context, especially when reacting to unfortunate news.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 嗐?
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.