哎
呀

About

The word "哎呀" is formed by combining two phonetic characters that imitate exclamatory sounds: "哎" mimics a sigh or cry of surprise, while "呀" extends this with an emphatic, exclamatory tone, creating a reduplicative interjection where the repeated sounds collectively convey emotions such as shock, pain, or dismay.

Example Sentences Hide

哎呀，我肚子疼。

Āi yā, wǒ dùzi téng.

Oh dear, my stomach hurts.

哎呀，你怎么又迟到了？

Āi yā, nǐ zěnme yòu chídào le?

Oh dear, why are you late again?

哎呀，这本书的内容太复杂了。

Āi yā, zhè běn shū de nèiróng tài fùzá le.

Oh dear, the content of this book is too complicated.

哎呀，我刚才不小心把咖啡洒在桌子上了。

Āi yā, wǒ gāngcái bù xiǎoxīn bǎ kāfēi sǎ zài zhuōzi shàng le.

Oh dear, I accidentally spilled coffee on the table just now.

哎呀，如果明天再下雨，我们的旅行计划就彻底泡汤了。

Āi yā, rúguǒ míngtiān zài xià yǔ, wǒmen de lǚxíng jìhuà jiù chèdǐ pàotāng le.

Oh dear, if it rains again tomorrow, our travel plans will be completely ruined.

Word Definition - 哎呀

āi yā interjection of wonder, shock or admiration

Individual Character Details

哎 āi
呀 yā, ya