唉
alas
Strokes10
Readings
On'yomi
- カイ
- キ
- アイ
- イ
Kun'yomi
- ああ
- あお
- いやいやこた.える
Meaning
唉 centers on a vocal expression of sorrow or regret: an exclamation like 'alas' or a sigh of lament.
Study
Etymology
唉 combines 口 (mouth) with 矣, which likely contributes the sound and may relate to an exclamation. The exact historical development is uncertain.
Meaning mnemonic
The mouth 口 beside 矣 suggests a vocal sound. Picture a mouth open in a sigh, letting out an 'alas'.
Reading mnemonic
For カイ, imagine a sad sigh that sounds like 'kai' — a mournful cry: kai -> カイ, matching the 'alas' meaning.