Meanings of 嗳
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About 嗳
Podcast: 嗳
Podcast: 嗳
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AI Study Notes for 嗳
Be cautious about the tone when using 嗳; it should be pronounced with a high-level tone (āi). It's often used in informal conversations, so it may not be suitable for formal situations. Common collocations include phrases expressing disappointment or regret.
While 嗳 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it is useful for learners to recognize interjections that convey emotions. Understanding this word can enhance conversational skills, especially at the beginner to intermediate levels where expressing feelings is important.
Learners often confuse 嗳 with other interjections like 哎 (āi), which has a similar function but is used more broadly for sighing. A common error is using 嗳 in a formal context where a more polite expression is expected; for example, saying 嗳 during a business meeting is inappropriate.
Pronunciation of 嗳
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Etymology of 嗳
Phonosemantic compound. 口 represents the meaning and 爱 represents the sound. Simplified form of 噯.
mouth
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 嗳
Phonosemantic compound. 口 represents the meaning and 爱 represents the sound. Simplified form of 噯.
- 1The meaning half口 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half爱 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.
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Decomposition of 嗳
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How to say interjection indicating regret in Chinese
“interjection indicating regret” in Chinese is嗳
The character 嗳 (āi) is an interjection used to express regret or disapproval. It often conveys a sense of disappointment or frustration, similar to a sigh in English. This expression is commonly used in informal contexts, usually when one is reflecting on a negative situation or expressing dissatisfaction.
When to use 嗳
Be cautious about the tone when using 嗳; it should be pronounced with a high-level tone (āi). It's often used in informal conversations, so it may not be suitable for formal situations. Common collocations include phrases expressing disappointment or regret.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 嗳 with other interjections like 哎 (āi), which has a similar function but is used more broadly for sighing. A common error is using 嗳 in a formal context where a more polite expression is expected; for example, saying 嗳 during a business meeting is inappropriate.
Write 嗳
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Practice writing 嗳 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 嗳
嗳 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.
Complete the Sentence
“ 可是她和 赵伯韬 带点儿亲? ____,我是说你那个女朋友,姓刘的. ”
" But this friend of yours is related to Chao Po - tao , isn't she? "
Example Sentences for 嗳 (3)
Word Family of 嗳
Compound Meaning
What does 嗳 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 嗳
Use 嗳 when you want to express disappointment or regret about a situation, particularly in informal settings.
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