Definitions
(interjection) hey!; Taiwan pr. [tai]
(dialect) non-local in one's speaking accent
Etymology phono-semantic
Phonetic:
太
About
The character 呔 is a phono-semantic compound combining the semantic mouth radical 口 (indicating speech) with the phonetic component 太. In traditional theatrical contexts and older vernacular literature, it functions as a sharp interjection or attention-getting shout, pronounced "dai". In modern usage, it serves as a phonetic transcription for the English word "tie", as in a necktie or tire, pronounced "tai". The character thus operates either to convey abrupt auditory expressions in drama or to integrate foreign loanwords into Chinese.