() — (interjection) ah! oh! (expressing surprise, sudden realization, or admiration)

Definition

呀 is a casual interjection for mild surprise, realization, or admiration, used like 啊 after a vowel. It's softer than 哎呀 (which adds dismay/annoyance) and more emphatic than 哦 (which signals understanding).

interjection
ah! oh! (expressing surprise, sudden realization, or admiration)

Examples

  • yā! Wài miàn xià xuě le!
    Ah! It's snowing outside!
  • yā, Nǐ zěn me lái le?
    Oh! How did you get here?
  • yā, Zhè dào cài zhēn hǎo chī!
    Wow! This dish is really delicious!

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