Learn a Chinese Character - 唉

1. Character Basics

Radical: 口 (mouth)

Stroke Count: 11

Stroke Order: View Animation

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: āi (first tone) / ài (fourth tone)

3. Meaning

An interjection expressing sighs, regret, or frustration.

4. Common Usage

• 唉声叹气 (āi shēng tàn qì): to sigh deeply
• 唉呀 (āi yā): oh dear (exclamation of surprise or frustration)
• 唉哟 (āi yō): ouch (exclamation of pain)

5. Grammar & Usage

The character 唉 is typically used as an interjection to express emotions such as regret, frustration, or resignation.

6. Cultural Background

In spoken Chinese, 唉 is a commonly used interjection, especially in informal settings, to convey a wide range of emotions depending on the tone and context.

7. Example Sentence

8. Memory Tips

Remember the radical 口 (mouth) indicates its use in speech, often as an emotional exclamation.