About
The character "唉" is structured as a phono-semantic compound, integrating the mouth radical to indicate its association with vocal sounds and the component "矣" which primarily serves a phonetic function. Historically, this character functioned as an interjection in classical Chinese, used to express affirmation or acknowledgment in response to statements. Over time, its semantic application shifted from denoting simple agreement to conveying a sense of sighing or lamentation, thereby acquiring its modern usage as an exclamation that reflects regret or resignation. This transition in meaning demonstrates how characters linked to auditory expressions can evolve to embody more specific emotional connotations while maintaining their original graphic form.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
唉，我迟到了。
唉，今天又下雨了。
唉，这个任务太难完成了。
他唉了一声，继续埋头工作。
唉声叹气解决不了任何问题。
她看着成绩单，连连唉叹。
你别总是唉声叹气的，振作起来！
面对这种困境，他也只能无奈地唉叹命运不公。