Definition

1. Interjection:
   • Alas!: An exclamation expressing sorrow, pity, regret, or grief over a lamentable situation or event. It is a literary and somewhat archaic interjection used to introduce a statement of misfortune.

Usage Examples

• Interjection:
  • Hỡi ôi! Thế là phí một đời! (Alas! That is another life wasted!)
  • Hỡi ôi, số phận thật nghiệt ngã! (Alas, fate is so cruel!)
  • Hỡi ôi, anh ấy đã ra đi mãi mãi. (Alas, he has passed away forever.)

Advanced Usage

• "Hỡi ôi" is primarily used in literary contexts, poetry, formal speeches, or dramatic narratives to convey deep emotion. It is less common in everyday spoken Vietnamese.
  • Hỡi ôi, thời oanh liệt nay còn đâu? (Alas, where are the glorious days of yore?)

Variants and Related Words

• Than ôi: A very close synonym, also meaning "Alas!" or "Woe is me!".
  • Than ôi, thời thế đã đổi thay. (Alas, the times have changed.)
• Ôi: A more general and common exclamation of emotion (e.g., surprise, pain, delight). "Hỡi ôi" is a more emphatic and sorrowful variant.
  • Ôi, đau quá! (Ouch, that hurts!)
• Chao ôi: An exclamation expressing surprise, regret, or pity, but often less formal than "hỡi ôi".
  • Chao ôi, sao mà khổ thế! (Oh my, why so miserable!)

Synonyms

• Than ôi: Alas! Woe!
• Ôi thôi: Oh no! (expressing resignation or dismay)
• Thiệt tình: Honestly/Really (used to express regret or disappointment, but less literary).

Related Phrases

• "Hỡi ôi là hỡi ôi": A repetitive, emphatic form used in poetry or song to intensify the feeling of lament.
  • Hỡi ôi là hỡi ôi, nỗi niềm tê tái. (Alas, alas, the aching sorrow.)

Related Idioms

• While "hỡi ôi" itself is an exclamatory phrase, it is often found at the beginning of idiomatic or proverbial expressions of lament.
  • Hỡi ôi đời người như bóng câu qua cửa sổ. (Alas, a human life is like a shadow of a dove passing the window—meaning life is fleeting.)

1. Alas!
   • Hỡi ôi Thế là phí một đời!
     Alas! That is another life wasted