哎

āi

interjection HSK 7 #2,416

Meanings

1 hey! (used to attract attention)
2 interjection expressing surprise or disapproval

Characters

hey; oh (interjection of surprise)

Examples

哎，你在听我说话吗？

Āi, nǐ zài tīng wǒ shuōhuà ma?

Hey, are you listening to me?

哎，别走那么快！

Āi, bié zǒu nàme kuài!

Hey, don't walk so fast!

Tips

usage

哎 (āi) is more casual than 嘿 (hēi). It can express surprise, calling attention, or mild disapproval depending on tone and context.

mistakes

Don't confuse 哎 (āi, hey!) with 唉 (ài, sigh of sadness) or 哎呀 (āiyā, oh my!).

Stroke Order

哎 āi