lɑi

𫪁

Word · Modal particleTraditional唻

modal particle; used in questions or exclamations

Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma

Meanings

3 senses · 7 examples
1.

modal particle

used at the end of a specific or alternative question, equivalent to "ne"; what about?

dialect

Indicates the question is about a specific subject or asks for a choice. The preceding word often ends in "de". Tone conveys curiosity or mild challenge.

Nǐ你
men们
qiāo敲
luó锣
dǎ打
gǔ鼓
de的
gàn干
shén什
me么
lɑi唻
 ?

What are you all making such a racket for?

Rén人
lɑi唻
 ?
Zěn怎
me么
zhǎo找
bù不
dào到
le了
 ?

Where's the person? How come they can't be found?

Show 1 more example
Nǐ你
men们
dōu都
yǒu有
le了
 ,
wǒ我
lɑi唻
 ?

You all have one, but what about me?

2.

modal particle

used for emphasis or exclamation, equivalent to "la"; oh! (expressing strong feeling)

dialect

Often used in exclamatory sentences to convey excitement, enthusiasm, or strong affirmation. Tone is typically rising or high.

Dà大
huǒ伙
r儿
gàn干
de得
kě可
huān欢
lɑi唻
 。

Everyone is working with such great enthusiasm!

Nà那
huā花
kāi开
de得
zhēn真
hǎo好
kàn看
lɑi唻
 !

Oh, those flowers are blooming so beautifully!

3.

modal particle

used to indicate a past action or state, equivalent to "lai zhe"; (used to) be; (was) doing

dialect

Used when recalling or reminding someone about a past event, statement, or state. Often follows a verb phrase.

Niáng娘
shì是
zěn怎
me么
shuō说
lɑi唻
 ,
zěn怎
me么
dōu都
wàng忘
le了
 ?

What was it Mom said? How have you all forgotten?

Zuó昨
tiān天
tā他
hái还
zài在
zhè这
lǐ儿
lɑi唻
 。

He was right here yesterday.