Definition

1. Interjection:
   • A vocative particle used to call or address someone: "Ơi" is placed after the name or title of the person being called to get their attention or to express a call.
   • An exclamation used to respond to a call: "Ơi" can be used alone to answer when someone calls your name, similar to saying "Yes?" or "I'm here!"

Usage Examples

• As a vocative particle (to call): Em bé ơi, dậy đi thôi! (Hey baby, wake up!) Bạn ơi! (Hey, friend!) Trời ơi! (Oh my god!/Oh heavens!)

• As a response to a call: Bố ơi! - Ơi, bố đây. (Hey, dad! - Yes, I'm here.) Lan ơi! - Ơi! (Lan! - Yes?)

Advanced Usage

• "Ơi" for emphasis in exclamations: It can be used in exclamatory structures for strong emphasis, often paired with "là". (How beautiful it is!/It's so incredibly beautiful!) (It's so incredibly tall!)

Variants and Related Words

• Này (interjection): Another common vocative particle for calling someone, often used before the name/title. (e.g., - Hey you!)
• Vâng / Dạ (interjection): Politer words for responding "yes" to a call or command, especially to elders or superiors. "Ơi" as a response is more casual.

Synonyms

• Hey (English): A common informal call for attention.
• Hello (English): A greeting that can also serve as a call.
• Yes? (English): A common response to a call.

Related Phrases

• Trời ơi: A very common exclamation expressing surprise, shock, or frustration, equivalent to "Oh my God!" or "Oh dear!"
• ...ơi là...: A fixed structure for creating emphatic exclamations about a quality (e.g., - It's so incredibly cold!).

Related Idioms

(Note: "Ơi" itself is a particle and is not typically the core of idioms. The idioms are formed with the words it modifies.) - Kêu trời ơi đất hỡi: To cry out in great distress or complaint (literally, to call out "oh heaven, oh earth").

1. Hey, hello
   • em bé ơi, dậy đi thôi
     Hey baby, wake up!
2. Yes
   • Bố ơi - Ơi, bố đây
     Hey, dad! - Yes