呀
呀 can be a modal particle, an interjection and a sound-imitative word. Let’s discuss its all functions.
The particle 呀
呀 
is used as an equivalent to 啊 after vowels -а, -е, -i, -о, -ü.
is used as an equivalent to 啊 after vowels -а, -е, -i, -о, -ü. Pay attention
A modal particle (语气词) is a function word that adds additional semantic meanings to the sentence or emotionally colors it. It is usually placed at the end of a sentence.
Examples
对呀！
Exactly!
duì ya
快走呀！
Hurry up!
kuài zǒu ya
The interjection 呀
Interjection 呀 expresses amazement, surprise or dissatisfaction.
In English it can be translated as "my!", "oh dear!", "ah!".
expresses amazement, surprise or dissatisfaction.
In English it can be translated as "my!", "oh dear!", "ah!".
Pay attention
An interjection (感叹词) is a word or expression that occurs as an utterance on its own and expresses a spontaneous feeling or reaction. It expresses feelings and emotions but does not name them. It is usually placed at the beginning of a sentence.
Examples
呀！这是什么？
My! What’s that?
yā! zhè shì shénme
呀， 这水真凉啊！
Heavens, this water is really cold!
yā, zhè shuǐ zhēn liáng a
The sound-imitative word 呀
Onomatopoeia 呀 describes squeak and creak.
describes squeak and creak. Pay attention
Sound-imitative words are also called "onomatopoeia" (象声词).
Examples
门呀的一声开了
The door creaked open
mén yā de yìshēng kāi le
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