oi

IPA/ɔɪ/
KK[ˈɔɪ]IPA/ɔɪ/

oi — exclamation

1. a short, loud word that people call out when they want someone to stop or pay at

1.感嘆詞B2
釋義

a short, loud word that people call out when they want someone to stop or pay attention, usually because that person has done something annoying or wrong — widely considered impolite in most situations

例句

Oi! That's my seat — I was sitting there while you were gone.

used alone as an exclamation to express annoyance

Oi, you lot! Stop throwing litter on the ground right now.

followed by a noun phrase: oi + [person/group]

同義詞
  • hey

    less aggressive and more common in American English; can be friendly or neutral

  • yo

    very informal, associated with American slang; often friendly rather than angry

  • excuse me

    polite and formal; the opposite register of 'oi'

反義詞
  • excuse me

    the polite equivalent used to get attention respectfully

用法筆記

Common in British English but considered impolite in formal situations or with people you do not know. In Australian and New Zealand English it is also used but is slightly less aggressive. The American English equivalent is usually 'hey'.

常見錯誤

❌Oi, could you please tell me the time?
✅Excuse me, could you please tell me the time?
💡'Oi' is too rude for polite requests; use 'Excuse me' instead.
❌Oi!' used in formal writing such as an email
✅use 'Dear Sir/Madam' or the person's name
💡'Oi' belongs only in informal speech, never in writing.
❌Oi you!' addressed to a teacher or boss
✅Excuse me, Professor Lin
💡'Oi' shows disrespect to someone in authority.