Ay Meaning in English

word

US

/ˈaɪ/, /ˈeɪ/

y, ay

UK

/ˈaɪ/, /ˈeɪ/

y, ay

Definition

'Ay' is an old or literary interjection used to express surprise, pain, regret, or strong feeling, similar to 'oh' or 'alas'.

Usage & Nuances

Mostly found in poetry, Shakespeare, or old literature; rarely used in modern conversation. Not to be confused with 'aye' (yes) or 'hey.' Often used to show pain or sorrow: 'Ay me!' or simply 'Ay!'.

• Spanish: ay (expresión) - ay (interjección)
• Portuguese (BR): ai (interjeição) - ai (expressão de dor/surpresa)
• Portuguese (PT): ai (interjeição) - ai (expressão de dor/surpresa)
• Chinese (Simplified): 哎（感叹词）
• Chinese (Traditional): 哎（感嘆詞）
• Hindi: अरे (भाववाचक शब्द) - अय्यो (आश्चर्य/दर्द में)
• Arabic: آي (تعبير عن الألم أو المفاجأة)
• Bengali: আহা - আরে
• Russian: увы - ах
• Japanese: ああ - あら
• Vietnamese: ôi - than ôi
• Korean: 아아 - 아이고
• Turkish: eyvah - ah
• Urdu: آہ - افسوس
• Indonesian: aduh - duh

Example Sentences

Ay, that hurt my finger!

basic

Ay, I forgot my homework again.

basic

Ay, what a cold morning!

basic

Ay me!, I should have listened to your advice.

natural

He cried, 'Ay! What a disaster!'

natural

In the play, the heroine exclaims, 'Ay, must it end so soon?'

natural