What does the chinese term "Aiaa" mean?

Question

I am reading the book "The Woman Warrior" by Maxine Hong Kingston and this word keeps coming up. Heres one sentence it was in.

"'Aiaa. Aiaa,' the storytellers exclaimed. My mother laughed with satisfaction at their cries."

Thank you!!

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

哎呀 āi yā is used to express surprise or annoyance.

It is roughly equal to "Damn!" or "My God!"

It is a very common expression in China.

Source(s):

I live in China

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

thank you very much!!