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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing a sigh with 唉 (āi)

    Emphasis

    Structure

    唉 + Clause / 唉

    Explanation

    唉 (āi) is an interjection used to express a sigh of sadness, regret, disappointment, or resignation. It is typically placed at the beginning of a sentence or used as a standalone utterance to convey emotional weariness.

    Examples

    • 唉，早知道我就不去了。

      Āi, zǎo zhīdào wǒ jiù bú qù le.

      Sigh, if I had known, I wouldn't have gone.

    • 唉，这次考试又没考好。

      Āi, zhè cì kǎoshì yòu méi kǎo hǎo.

      Sigh, I did poorly on the exam again.

    • 唉，时间过得真快啊。

      Āi, shíjiān guò de zhēn kuài a.

      Sigh, time really flies.

    Expressing a sigh with 唉 (āi) | Chinese Grammar