悲哀

• Pinyin: bēi āi
• Hanzi breakdown: 悲 = 非 (not) + 心 (heart); 哀 = 衣 (clothing) + 口 (mouth, mourning cries)

Meaning

Sorrowful; sad; grieved. Deep sadness or grief.

Describes a profound, often dignified sadness. More literary than 难过 (sad) and less intense than 悲痛 (grief-stricken). Can describe both emotional states and situations that evoke sadness.

Examples

1. 得知老友离世的消息，他陷入了深深的悲哀之中。 Upon learning of his old friend's passing, he sank into deep sorrow.
2. 人生最大的悲哀莫过于活着却失去了希望。 The greatest sorrow in life is living without hope.
3. 她脸上带着一种说不出的悲哀，让人看了心疼。 Her face carried an indescribable sadness that was heartbreaking to see.

Usage Guide

Context: emotions, literature, reflection

Tone: melancholic

Do Say

• 这是一个悲哀的时代。(This is a sorrowful era.)
• 他的眼神充满悲哀。(His eyes are full of sorrow.)

Don't Say

• 对小事说'悲哀' (Don't use 悲哀 for minor disappointments — it implies profound sadness)

Origin & History

悲 (sad) + 哀 (grief). Both characters relate to sorrow, combining for emphasis.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal