欸 (ǎi) — (interjection) hey! (used to draw attention)
Definition
欸 (ǎi) is a casual interjection to call attention, like "hey!" in spoken Chinese. It is only used in direct address to get someone's notice, not as a sentence-initial filler.
interjection
hey! (used to draw attention)
Examples
- 欸，！ǎi, Nǐ děng yí xià!Hey, wait a moment!
- 欸，。ǎi, Nǐ de dōng xī diào le.Hey, you dropped something.
- 欸，！ǎi, Bié zǒu nà me kuài!Hey, don't walk so fast!
Origin
Sound + meaning六书liùshū
形声xíngshēngMost characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.
The form 欸 pairs 矣, which gives the sound, with 欠, which indicates breath.
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