ôi

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The Vietnamese word "ôi" is an expressive interjection that can convey various emotions, such as surprise, disappointment, or lamentation. It is often used to express a feeling of distress or to emphasize a negative situation.

Basic Meaning

1. Alas/Oh!: "Ôi" can be used to express sadness, disappointment, or sympathy, similar to saying "Oh no!" or "Alas!" in English.
2. Exclamation of Surprise: It can also express surprise or concern about something.

Usage Instructions

• "Ôi" is often used at the beginning of a sentence or phrase to show your emotional reaction to something.
• It can be followed by other words to give more context to the expression.

Examples

1. Expressing Disappointment:

   • "Ôi, trời ơi! Tôi đã quên mất!"
   • (Oh no! I forgot!)

2. Expressing Sympathy:

   • "Ôi, thật là đáng tiếc khi nghe tin này."
   • (Oh, it's truly regrettable to hear this news.)

3. Expressing Surprise:

   • "Ôi, bạn đã đến rồi sao?"
   • (Oh, you have arrived already?)

Advanced Usage

• "Ôi" can be used in more complex sentences to express a deeper emotional context.
  • Example: "Ôi, cuộc sống thật khó khăn khi không có bạn bên cạnh."
  • (Oh, life is so hard without you by my side.)

Variants and Related Words

• Ôi chao!: An intensified version expressing shock or amazement, similar to "Oh my!".
• Ôi giời ơi!: A more dramatic way to express frustration or surprise, often used in a humorous context.

Different Meanings

• While "ôi" primarily expresses emotions, it can also imply a sense of nostalgia or yearning for something lost or unattainable.

Synonyms

• Ôi thôi: Similar in meaning, often used to express resignation or giving up.
• Trời ơi: Another expression of surprise or concern, translating to "Oh my God" in English.

Academic

adj

1. tainted (meat); putrid (flesh)
   • cản thán.
     alas
   • than ôi!
     alas!what; how