HSK · Level 123
47 words
Chinese word
乃
Pronunciation
Pinyinnǎi
Meaning
- auxiliary verbbe
Example
这乃他最大的成就。zhè nǎi tā zuì dà de chéng jiù
This is his greatest achievement.
More examples
这乃事实，不能否认。zhè nǎi shì shí bù néng fǒu rèn
This is a fact and cannot be denied.
Core concept
A compact link that turns what comes before into a definite statement of identity.
Common phrases
这乃事实zhè nǎi shì shí
this is a fact
此乃关键cǐ nǎi guān jiàn
this is the key
此乃天意cǐ nǎi tiān yì
this is heaven's will
Similar words
是shì: Used to state a person's or thing's identity, role, or quality.
则zé: Used to show that an earlier situation or condition leads to the stated result.
即jí: Used after a statement to give its conclusion or say the same point more clearly.
Definition in Chinese
文言的判断助词，用于承上启下或对前项作断定，语气正式，可译为“为”“是”或“即”。wén yán de pàn duàn zhù cí yòng yú chéng shàng qǐ xià huò duì qián xiàng zuò duàn dìng yǔ qì zhèng shì kě yì wèi wèi shì huò jí
Word origin
The classical connective 乃 (nǎi, "be; namely") extended from the sense "then" or "therefore" to a copular sense, linking a preceding point with a formal conclusion.
Usage tips
- In everyday listening, recognizing this elevated form helps separate formal narration and written language from the wording expected in ordinary conversation.