Also spelt (aiya) - It is a
Nigerian (probably used in some other
West African countries too) "word" phrase used to express commiseration, pity or concern when someone suffers any kind of misfortune.
Example
1:
John: I just found out I did not pass the Navy Seal
test
Doe: Ai ya! May be you try again next time.
Example 2:
Karen: I missed the school bus this morning, so I could not seat for the Math test.
Linda: Ai ya! So what are you going to do, speak to the
teacher about it?