ải
[ʔaːj˧˩]
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
(noun) frontier pass; border checkpoint
Where it’s used:
Used
Toàn quốc & hải ngoại · Vietnam-wide & diaspora
Examples
ải Nam Quanthe Nam Quan pass
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Sources & notes
Imported from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-29); community review pending. source ↗
Sense 2
Meaning · English
(noun) a big challenge that is hard to pass
Examples
khổ ải
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Sense 3
Meaning · English
(adjective) crumbling easily and no longer sturdy, having succumbed to years of exposure to rain and sun
Sense 4
Meaning · English
(adjective) dry and crumbling easily
Common questions
What does “ải” mean?
(noun) frontier pass; border checkpoint
Is “ải” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.