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嗳 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
嗳ǎiinterjection indicating regrete, 13 strokes, radical 口, rank #24693, Very Hard
嗳ǎi(interj. of disapproval)unknown, 13 strokes, radical 口, rank #24693, Very Hard
嗳ǎi(interj. of regret)unknown, 13 strokes, radical 口, rank #24693, Very Hard
嗳àiinterjection indicating regrete, 13 strokes, radical 口, rank #24693, Very Hard
嗳ài(interj. of disapproval)unknown, 13 strokes, radical 口, rank #24693, Very Hard
嗳ài(interj. of regret)unknown, 13 strokes, radical 口, rank #24693, Very Hard
嗳āiinterjection indicating regrete, 13 strokes, radical 口, rank #24693, Very Hard
嗳āi(interj. of disapproval)unknown, 13 strokes, radical 口, rank #24693, Very Hard
嗳āi(interj. of regret)unknown, 13 strokes, radical 口, rank #24693, Very Hard
āi(ai1)ai
primary
T1
  1. 1interjection indicating regret
  2. 2(interj. of disapproval)
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March 24, 2026

嗳(噯)āi(ai1)

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.

Strokes13Radical口Frequency#24693DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, expressing emotional reactions such as regret is common in daily conversations, and 嗳 reflects the importance of acknowledging feelings. It can often be heard in contexts like discussions about missed opportunities or unfavorable outcomes.

Memory tip

Think of 嗳 (āi) as a sound you make when you're feeling regretful, like a drawn-out sigh. The character has a sound that resembles the expression of a deep breath, which can be visualized as letting out a sigh of disappointment.

Meanings of 嗳

āi(ai1)
primary
1interjection indicating regret
2(interj. of disapproval)
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 嗳

嗳Simplified
噯Traditional
13Strokes
口Radical
叹词tàncíinterjection (interj.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 嗳

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Podcast: 嗳

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AI study notes for 嗳

Usage Notes

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.

HSK Study Tips

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.

Common Mistakes

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.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 嗳

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Etymology of 嗳

Formation typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Explanation

Phonosemantic compound. 口 represents the meaning and 爱 represents the sound. Simplified form of 噯.

Memory hint

mouth

Semantic (meaning)口
+
Phonetic (sound)爱
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

嗳 = 口 + 爱. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 嗳

IDS Structure⿰口爱
嗳Full character
=
口kou3
left
爱ai4
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 嗳?

How to say interjection indicating regret in Chinese

“interjection indicating regret” in Chinese is嗳ǎi

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

嗳

Practice writing 嗳 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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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.

Exercise 1 of 5

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

“ 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)

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1
“ 可是她和 赵伯韬 带点儿亲? 嗳,我是说你那个女朋友,姓刘的. ”

“ kěshì tā hé zhào bà tāo dài diǎn ér qīn? āi, wǒ shì shuō nǐ nàge nǚpéngyou, xìng liú de. ”

" But this friend of yours is related to Chao Po - tao , isn't she? "
2
“ 嗳,姓赵的, 赵伯韬?

“ āi, xìng zhào de, zhào bà tāo?

" You're sure it's Chao Po - tao?
3
嗳呀! 好大的狗哇!

āi yā! hǎo dà de gǒu wā!

Crikey ! What a big dog!

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Word Family of 嗳

Words containing this character3
嗳āi(interj. of disapproval)噯
嗳气ǎiqìbelching噯氣
嗳酸ǎisuānsour belching (medical term)噯酸
Exercise 1 of 2

Words with 嗳

What does 嗳气 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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