How to Write 唉 (āi/ài) — Meaning “Alas, oh, or a sigh.”

Picture a mouth (口) letting out a loud sigh that sounds like "ai" (矣). You can also imagine the right side 矣 as a person slumping over in disappointment while saying "ai."

Write the left radical 口 first, keeping it small and centered. The right side 矣 has 7 strokes: start with the top part 厶, then the bottom 矢, and make sure the overall character is balanced with the mouth on the left and the taller right side.

唉 (āi) is an interjection for sighing or groaning, while 呢 (ne) is a particle used to soften questions or show continuation. 呣 (ḿ or m) represents a humming or questioning sound. Visually, the right parts differ: 矣 vs 尼 vs 母.

唉 is commonly used in speech or writing to express disappointment, regret, or a heavy sigh, like "Alas!" For example, 唉, 我忘了带钥匙 (Alas, I forgot the keys). It appears in the phrase 唉声叹气 (to sigh and groan) and is a natural emotional exclamation in daily conversation.

Common words containing 唉 include: 唉呀 (āi ya) — Oh my or gosh.; 唉 (ài) — Alas, oh, or a sigh.; 唉声叹气 (āi shēng tàn qì) — To sigh and groan..