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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Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
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
Exercise 1 of 2
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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'.
