悲哀

Pattern visualization

Examples

1. 他的眼神里透着深深的悲哀。▶ —
   A deep sorrow showed in his eyes.
2. 这是时代的悲哀。▶ —
   This is the sorrow of an era.

Collocations

Mnemonic

悲 bēi "sad" + 哀 āi "sorrowful, to mourn": both mean sad, i.e. sorrow, melancholy. Same as the Korean word bi-ae (悲哀). Beyond heart-aching sadness, it carries a lonely, wistful tone and applies to abstract sorrow as well, as in "the sorrow of an era" or "the sorrow of life" (时代的悲哀). It is deeper and more contemplative or resigned than 悲伤 (heart-wounding grief). 哀 means "sorrowful, to mourn" (哀悼, 悲哀); 悲 means "sad". A synonym compound.

Related

Quick check

1. What is the nuance of 悲哀 versus 悲伤?

   • deeper, contemplative sorrow (even of an era/life)
   • a brief mild irritation
   • joyful excitement
   • plain sleepiness