Interjections
Interjections are quick, expressive words that show sudden feelings like surprise, pain, or delight. They pop up in speech and writing to give color and immediacy to reactions. This guide groups common interjections by type and gives brief examples to internalize their flavor.
Surprise
Surprise interjections signal that something unexpected has happened. They are short and often come with a pause or an exclamation. Use them when news catches you off guard.
| Hanzi | Pinyin | English |
|---|---|---|
| 哇 | wā | wow |
| 天哪 | tiān nǎ | gosh |
| 咦 | yí | huh |
| 噢 | ō | oh |
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Pain
Interjections of pain register sudden discomfort or injury. They are sharp and instinctive, used when something hurts or when you are startled by pain.
| Hanzi | Pinyin | English |
|---|---|---|
| 哎哟 | āi yō | ouch |
| 唉 | āi | alas / ouch |
| 啊 | ā | ah (pain) |
| 哇哇 | wā wā | wail (pain) |
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Delight
Interjections of delight express pleasure, approval, or charm. They often sound gentle or musical and are used when something is cute, tasty, or enjoyable.
| Hanzi | Pinyin | English |
|---|---|---|
| 咔咔 | kā kā | haha / chuckle |
| 嘻嘻 | xī xī | hehe |
| 哇塞 | wā sāi | awesome |
| 呀 | yā | wow / yay |
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Thinking
Thinking interjections show hesitation, consideration, or doubt. They buy time for the speaker to reflect or search for an answer. Use them in more tentative or informal contexts.
| Hanzi | Pinyin | English |
|---|---|---|
| 嗯 | ēn | mm / uh-huh |
| 呃 | è | uh / er |
| 思考 | sī kǎo | thinking (literally) |
| 这个 | zhè ge | this (filler) |
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Attention
Attention-getting interjections warn, call someone, or signal importance. They are sharp and commanding, used to redirect focus or alert others to danger or news.
| Hanzi | Pinyin | English |
|---|---|---|
| 哎 | āi | hey / oi |
| 喂 | wèi | hey / hello (on phone) |
| 注意 | zhù yì | attention / watch out |
| 嘘 | xū | shh |
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Dismissal
Dismissal interjections downplay something, show impatience, or reject an idea. They are often short and brusque, used to shut down a topic or signal that something is unimportant.
| Hanzi | Pinyin | English |
|---|---|---|
| 哼 | hēng | humph |
| 算了 | suàn le | forget it |
| 没事 | méi shì | never mind / it's nothing |
| 别管了 | bié guǎn le | don't worry about it |
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Agreement
Agreement interjections confirm, assent, or show that you are on the same page. They are quick nods in sound form, used to signal understanding or approval in conversation.
| Hanzi | Pinyin | English |
|---|---|---|
| 嗯 | ēn | mm / yes |
| 对 | duì | right / correct |
| 是的 | shì de | yes / that's right |
| 好 | hǎo | okay / good |
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Summary
Interjections are tiny linguistic fireworks that reveal immediate emotion and attitude. Learn a handful for each category—like surprise, pain, delight, thinking, attention, dismissal, and agreement—and practice them aloud to catch their natural tone.
Last updated: Sun Sep 14, 2025