Definition

1. Interjection (archaic, literary):
   • Alas!: An exclamation used to express sorrow, pity, regret, or grief over a misfortune or unfortunate event.
   • Woe is me!: A lamentation conveying a sense of mourning or compassionate distress.
   • Often carries a connotation of irony, mockery, or mild sarcasm when commenting on someone's self-inflicted or deserved misfortune.

Usage Examples

• Interjection:
  • Ô hô! Thương thay cho số phận của hắn. (Alas! Pity his fate.)
  • Cả gia tài tiêu tan. Ô hô! (The entire fortune was lost. Alas!)
  • Hết đời kẻ xu nịnh, ô hô! (The end of the flatterer's life, alas! [often said with derision])

Advanced Usage

• Used primarily in classical or literary Vietnamese contexts (poetry, proverbs, formal writing) and is considered archaic in modern spoken language.
• The tone can shift from genuine lament to a sarcastic or mocking sigh, depending on context, implying the misfortune was predictable or deserved.

Variants and Related Words

• Than ôi! (interj): Another literary exclamation meaning "Alas!" or "Woe!", with a similar usage but potentially less sarcastic connotation.
• Hỡi ơi! (interj): An exclamation of lament, like "Oh dear!" or "Alas!".

Synonyms

• Alas: Used to express sorrow or regret.
• Woe: An exclamation of grief or distress.
• Ah me!: An old-fashioned expression of regret or unhappiness.

Related Idioms

• While "ô hô" itself is an interjection often found in set phrases of lament, it is a key component in classical literary expressions of pity or ironic commentary on fate.

1. alas!