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The Real Meaning of the Chinese expression, Aiya!!
What does Aiya mean? Have you heard the Chinese say it in conversations? Sometimes they even shout it followed with heated words. It’s the only expression I know that crosses the major dialects like Mandarin and Cantonese and used in the same way. It can mean “Oh crap!” or “Oops!” or “What the #@!%” depending on the situation.
So what is the speaker really saying? Well it depends on the situation. Here are some examples:
“Aiya, you got an A- on your exam and not an A!?!” ”
Angry Asian parent reacting to their child scoring the highest bio-chemistry class exam.
“Aiya…this gift really isn’t necessary.”
Modest Asian gift receiving of non-acceptance
“AIYA!” (shouting)
Shock of Asian grandparents seeing the younger generation kissing in public.
more...
http://thebeijingfamily.blogspot.com/2014/02/the-real-meaning-of-chinese-expression.html