哎呀

• Pinyin: āi yā
• Hanzi breakdown: 哎 = 口 + 矣; 呀 = 口 + 牙

Meaning

Oh my; oops; oh dear (interjection expressing surprise, annoyance, or pain).

A versatile interjection conveying surprise, frustration, regret, or mild pain. More emphatic than 哎. Can express both positive surprise and negative reactions depending on tone and context.

Examples

1. 哎呀，手机落在出租车上了，这下麻烦了。 Oh no, I left my phone in the taxi. This is going to be trouble.
2. 哎呀，你怎么又买这么多东西，家里都放不下了。 Oh my, why did you buy so much stuff again? There's no room at home.
3. 哎呀，原来是你啊，好久不见了！ Oh, it's you! Long time no see!

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, conversation

Tone: expressive

Do Say

• 哎呀，我把钥匙锁在车里了！(Oh no, I locked my keys in the car!)
• 哎呀，这道菜太好吃了！(Wow, this dish is so delicious!)

Don't Say

• 在商务邮件中写'哎呀' (Don't use 哎呀 in business emails — it's too colloquial)

Origin & History

Combination of 哎 (attention-getting) and 呀 (exclamatory particle), forming a natural exclamation.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal