Definition

1. Interjection:
   • Oh my! / Oh dear! / Goodness!: An exclamation used to express a range of sudden, strong emotions such as surprise, astonishment, sympathy, or mild exasperation. It often reacts to an unexpected or remarkable situation.

Usage Examples

• Interjection:
  • Ối dào, cái váy này đẹp quá! (Oh my, this dress is so beautiful!)
  • Ối dào, tôi quên ví ở nhà rồi! (Oh dear, I forgot my wallet at home!)
  • Ối dào, sao bạn có thể làm thế? (Goodness, how could you do that?)

Advanced Usage

• The interjection can be elongated for emphasis, such as "Ối dào ơi!" or "Ối giào ơi!", which intensifies the expressed emotion.
  • Ối dào ơi, tôi mệt quá rồi! (Oh my goodness, I am so tired!)

Variants and Related Words

• Trời ơi: An interjection with a similar meaning, translating to "Oh my God" or "Oh heavens."
  • Trời ơi, tôi không tin được! (Oh my God, I can't believe it!)
• Ôi: A shorter, more general exclamation of emotion, like "Oh!"
  • Ôi, đau quá! (Oh, that hurts!)

Synonyms

• Oh my!: Expresses surprise or mild shock.
• Goodness!: A mild exclamation of surprise.
• Oh dear!: Expresses sympathy, concern, or disappointment.

Related Idioms

• While "ối dào" itself is a standalone interjection, it is frequently used at the beginning of exclamatory sentences to set an emotional tone of surprise or realization.

1. Now then!