What is the proper usage of 哟?

哟 is primarily used as an interjection to express surprise, admiration, or to get someone's attention. It's informal and commonly used in spoken Chinese.

Is 哟 considered formal language?

No, 哟 is informal and typically used in casual conversation, folk songs, or online communication. It's rarely used in formal writing.

How is 哟 different from other exclamations?

哟 carries a lighter, more playful tone compared to stronger exclamations like 啊 or 呀. It's often used to express mild surprise or admiration.

哟Tone 1

yō ｜ 9 strokes ｜ radical: 口

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哟 · yō

Interjection expressing surprise, admiration, or mild exclamation;

also used as a final particle in songs.

Interjection expressing surprise, admiration, or mild exclamationalso used as a final particle in songs.

Usage highlights

HeyOhYoHey heyUsed in songsExclamation of surprise

Synonyms

呀— exclamation expressing surprise
哦— exclamation expressing understanding or surprise
嘿— exclamation calling attention

Usage & contexts

Examples

Hey, look at that!(哟，看那个！)
Oh my, what a beautiful flower!(哟，好漂亮的花！)
Yo-ho, let's get to work!(哟嗬，干活儿啦！)
Used as a filler in folk songs(山歌里的哟)

Collocations

Hey(哟)
Oh(哟)
Yo-ho(哟嗬)
Hey hey(哟哟)
Used in songs(歌里的哟)
Exclamation of surprise(惊讶的哟)

Idioms

No specific idioms containing this character

Cultural background

FAQ

Commonly used in northern Chinese dialects as an interjection
Frequently appears in folk songs and traditional performances as a filler word
Modern usage includes informal online communication and chat

哟 (yō) - Interjection expressing surprise, admiration, or mild exclamation & also used as a final particle in songs.