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March 24, 2026
噯āi(ai1)
The character 噯 (āi) is an interjection used to express regret or sorrow. It often conveys a sense of lamentation or disappointment, similar to saying 'oh' or 'alas' in English. This expression is typically used in informal contexts among friends or family.
Strokes16Radical口
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, expressing emotions through interjections like 噯 is common, reflecting a communicative style that values emotional authenticity. It can often be heard in storytelling or when discussing past regrets.
Memory Tip
Imagine someone sighing with regret, saying 'āi' as they remember a missed opportunity. The sound 'āi' resembles the sound one makes when feeling sorry, and the character 噯 includes the 'mouth' radical (口), emphasizing that it's something you express vocally.
Meanings of 噯
āi(ai1)
1interjection indicating regret
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About 噯
噯Simplified
16Strokes
口Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 噯
Podcast: 噯
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AI Study Notes for 噯
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine someone sighing with regret, saying 'āi' as they remember a missed opportunity. The sound 'āi' resembles the sound one makes when feeling sorry, and the character 噯 includes the 'mouth' radical (口), emphasizing that it's something you express vocally.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 噯 with other expressions of emotion. It's more informal and should be used in casual conversations rather than formal settings. Be mindful of the tone; using it with the right emotional weight is essential for conveying the intended sentiment.
HSK Study Tips
While 噯 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, it’s beneficial to learn alongside other emotional expressions (like 哎 āi) to build a richer vocabulary. Focus on intonation and context when using interjections to enhance verbal communication.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, expressing emotions through interjections like 噯 is common, reflecting a communicative style that values emotional authenticity. It can often be heard in storytelling or when discussing past regrets.
Common Mistakes
Learners may incorrectly use 噯 in formal situations, such as business meetings. Instead, they should opt for more formal expressions of regret. For example, replacing 噯 with a more formal phrase would be more appropriate: '我很遗憾' (wǒ hěn yíhàn) meaning 'I regret it.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 噯
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Cultural Notes for 噯
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, expressing emotions through interjections like 噯 is common, reflecting a communicative style that values emotional authenticity. It can often be heard in storytelling or when discussing past regrets.
Word Family of 噯
Words Containing This Character3
嗳āi(interj. of disapproval)噯
嗳气belching噯氣
嗳酸sour belching (medical term)噯酸
Exercise 1 of 3
Compound Meaning
What does 嗳 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 噯
No, 噯 is typically reserved for informal speech and should not be used in formal writing.
While both express regret, 噯 is more specific to lamentation, whereas 哎 is used in a broader range of emotional expressions.
The pronunciation is āi, with a high level tone, similar to the English sound 'eye'.
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