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啊 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
啊āmodal particle ending sentence, showing affirmation, approval, or consentHSK 2, unknown, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊āinterjection of surpriseHSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊āAh!HSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊āOh!HSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊āinterjection expressing doubt or requiring answerHSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊āEh?HSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊āwhat?HSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊āto show realizationHSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊āto stressHSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊āinterjection of surprise or doubtHSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊āMy!HSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊āwhat's up?HSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊āinterjection or grunt of agreementHSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊āuhmHSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊āAh, OKHSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊āexpression of recognitionHSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊āOh, it's you!HSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊āah, exclamatory particleHSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊ámodal particle ending sentence, showing affirmation, approval, or consentHSK 2, unknown, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊áinterjection of surpriseHSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊áAh!HSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊áOh!HSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊áinterjection expressing doubt or requiring answerHSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊áEh?HSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊áwhat?HSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊áto show realizationHSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊áto stressHSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊áinterjection of surprise or doubtHSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊áMy!HSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊áwhat's up?HSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊áinterjection or grunt of agreementHSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊áuhmHSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊áAh, OKHSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊áexpression of recognitionHSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊áOh, it's you!HSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊áah, exclamatory particleHSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊ǎmodal particle ending sentence, showing affirmation, approval, or consentHSK 2, unknown, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊ǎinterjection of surpriseHSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊ǎAh!HSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊ǎOh!HSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊ǎinterjection expressing doubt or requiring answerHSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊ǎEh?HSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊ǎwhat?HSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊ǎto show realizationHSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊ǎto stressHSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊ǎinterjection of surprise or doubtHSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊ǎMy!HSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊ǎwhat's up?HSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊ǎinterjection or grunt of agreementHSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊ǎuhmHSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊ǎAh, OKHSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊ǎexpression of recognitionHSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊ǎOh, it's you!HSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊ǎah, exclamatory particleHSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊àmodal particle ending sentence, showing affirmation, approval, or consentHSK 2, unknown, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊àinterjection of surpriseHSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊àAh!HSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊àOh!HSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊àinterjection expressing doubt or requiring answerHSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊àEh?HSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊àwhat?HSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊àto show realizationHSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊àto stressHSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊àinterjection of surprise or doubtHSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊àMy!HSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊àwhat's up?HSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊àinterjection or grunt of agreementHSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊àuhmHSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊àAh, OKHSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊àexpression of recognitionHSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊àOh, it's you!HSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊àah, exclamatory particleHSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊amodal particle ending sentence, showing affirmation, approval, or consentHSK 2, unknown, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊ainterjection of surpriseHSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊aAh!HSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊aOh!HSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊ainterjection expressing doubt or requiring answerHSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊aEh?HSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊awhat?HSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊ato show realizationHSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊ato stressHSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊ainterjection of surprise or doubtHSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊aMy!HSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊awhat's up?HSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊ainterjection or grunt of agreementHSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊auhmHSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊aAh, OKHSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊aexpression of recognitionHSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊aOh, it's you!HSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
啊aah, exclamatory particleHSK 2, zg, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #38, Easy
a(a5)
primary
 T5
  1. 1modal particle ending sentence, showing affirmation, approval, or consent
  2. 2interjection of surprise
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

啊a(a5)

The character 啊 (ā) is an interjection commonly used in Mandarin to express surprise, realization, or doubt. It can also serve as a modal particle at the end of sentences to indicate affirmation or agreement, making it versatile in everyday conversations.

Strokes10Radical口Frequency#38DifficultyEasy
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the use of interjections like 啊 is common in informal speech to create a friendly and approachable atmosphere. It's often used in greetings and casual interactions to express familiarity.

Memory Tip

Think of 啊 (ā) as the sound you make when you suddenly understand something, like 'Ah, now I get it!' The character resembles an open mouth (representing the sound) and the sound itself is a straightforward expression of surprise or realization.

Meanings of 啊

a(a5)
primary
1modal particle ending sentence, showing affirmation, approval, or consent
2interjection of surprise
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 啊

啊Simplified
10Strokes
口Radical
状态词zgeu (stat.)Part of Speech
#38Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L3HSK 3.0L2ElementaryTOCFLL2HSKKL1BCT✓CEFRA1

Podcast: 啊

JasonAmy

Podcast: 啊

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 啊

Memory Mnemonic

Think of 啊 (ā) as the sound you make when you suddenly understand something, like 'Ah, now I get it!' The character resembles an open mouth (representing the sound) and the sound itself is a straightforward expression of surprise or realization.

Usage Notes

Learners often misuse 啊 by placing it in overly formal contexts or by using it too frequently, which can sound unnatural. It's generally used in informal conversations among friends or family. Be careful with the tone; it should always be pronounced with a first tone (ā).

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 3 word, 啊 connects with other interjections and modal particles you may have learned, such as 吗 (ma) and 呢 (ne). Focus on its usage in different contexts to enhance conversational fluency.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the use of interjections like 啊 is common in informal speech to create a friendly and approachable atmosphere. It's often used in greetings and casual interactions to express familiarity.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse 啊 with similar sounds, using it inappropriately as a filler word in formal writing. For instance, saying '今天的天气啊不错' instead of '今天的天气不错' is incorrect usage in a formal context.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 啊

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Etymology of 啊

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

Phonosemantic compound. 口 represents the meaning and 阿 represents the sound.

Memory Hint

mouth

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

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 啊?

Decomposition of 啊

IDS Structure⿰口阿
啊Full Character
=
口kou3
left
阿A1
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 啊?

Write 啊

啊

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

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Grammar Patterns of 啊

啊 carries 18 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.

Related grammar lessons6
Exercise 1 of 4

Complete the Sentence

好漂亮____！

So pretty!

Example Sentences for 啊 (18)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
unknownmodal particle ending sentence, showing affirmation, approval, or consent8
1
这个菜很好吃啊！

Zhège cài hěn hǎo chī a!

This dish is really delicious!
2
今天的天气真好啊！

Jīntiān de tiānqì zhēn hǎo a!

The weather is really nice today!
3
这个菜很好吃啊！

Zhège cài hěn hǎo chī a!

This dish is really delicious!
4
今天的天气真好啊！

Jīntiān de tiānqì zhēn hǎo a!

The weather is really nice today!
5
这个菜很好吃啊！

Zhège cài hěn hǎo chī a!

This dish is really delicious!
6
今天的天气真好啊！

Jīntiān de tiānqì zhēn hǎo a!

The weather is really nice today!
7
这个菜很好吃啊！

Zhège cài hěn hǎo chī a!

This dish is really delicious!
8
今天的天气真好啊！

Jīntiān de tiānqì zhēn hǎo a!

The weather is really nice today!
zginterjection of surprise10
9
“你什么意思啊？”我问，替利迪感到愤愤不平。

“ “ nǐ shí mó yì sī？” ā ？”， wǒ wèn ， tì lì dí gǎn dào fèn。

"What do you mean?" I asked, offended on Liddie's behalf.
10
啊？怎么了？你要告诉我我刚才做了什么吗？

ā？ ？ zěn mó？ le ？ nǐ yào gào sù wǒ wǒ gāng cái zuò le shí？

Huh? What's going on? You want to tell me what I did?
11
“你在自言自语。”“对啊，不行吗？”

“ “ nǐ zài zì yán zì。”“ yǔ 。”“， duì ā ，？”

"You're talking to yourself." — "Well, what of it?"
12
啊，他们玩个没完没了，他们很喜欢这个晚会。

ā， ， tā mén wán gè méi wán méi， le ， tā mén hěn xǐ huān zhè gè。

Gee whiz, they carried on and on, they loved the evening.
13
要是你早些时候告诉我该多好啊！

yào shì nǐ zǎo xiē shí hòu gào sù wǒ gāi duō hǎo ā！

If only you had told me that some time ago.
14
“想和我共度这个下午吗？”——“好啊！”

“ “ xiǎng hé wǒ gòng dù zhè gè xià wǔ？”——“ ma ？”——“！”

"Want to spend the afternoon with me?" — "Why not?"
15
哇，好烫啊！

wā， ， hǎo tàng！

Gee, it's hot.
16
“哟，好烫啊，”他说。

“ “， yō ， hǎo，” tàng ā。

"Whew," he said. "It's hot."
17
和她一起在这里多好啊!

hé tā yī qǐ zài zhè lǐ duō hǎo ā!

How wonderful it was to be here with her!
18
啊，我都没法形容。就是太棒了，每个人都很高兴。

ā， ， wǒ dū méi fǎ xíng。 róng 。 jiù shì tài， bàng le ， měi gè rén dū。

Oh, I can't explain it. It's just unreal. Everybody is so happy.
Exercise 1 of 1

Reorder the Sentence

This dish is really delicious!

Tap tokens to build the sentence

Cultural Notes for 啊

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, the use of interjections like 啊 is common in informal speech to create a friendly and approachable atmosphere. It's often used in greetings and casual interactions to express familiarity.

Word Family of 啊

Words Containing This Character3
啊aAh!
啊呀Oh my!
啊哟Oh啊喲
Exercise 1 of 3

Compound Meaning

What does 啊 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 啊

You can use 啊 when you want to express surprise, realization, or seek confirmation, especially in casual conversations.

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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.