A
Chinese expression of
alarm and
anguish. Despite
dialectic differences in
China, it seemed to be used universally in Eastern and Central
China. One of the most commonly heard phrases in
Chinese, it can be used to denote
anger as well.
Depending on the severity of the incidence, you can drag out the yo part longer. For example:
Aiyooooooooooooo! - Something really really bad just happened
Aiyo! - Not so bad, but it still sucks
It can be loosely translated into English as "Oh no" or "Uh oh", however, it can also mean "Oh shit" or worse. It seems to be a phonetic expression, because in words the characters mean nothing. Perhaps this expression descended from word of mouth instead of writing.
Variation: Ayaah! Drag out the last part accordingly. It has the same meaning. Thanks sensei!