HSK 7, unknown, 2 strokes, radical 丿, rank #8612, Hard
乃
nǎi
thus
HSK 7, unknown, 2 strokes, radical 丿, rank #8612, Hard
乃
nǎi
so
HSK 7, unknown, 2 strokes, radical 丿, rank #8612, Hard
乃
nǎi
therefore
HSK 7, unknown, 2 strokes, radical 丿, rank #8612, Hard
乃
nǎi
only
HSK 7, unknown, 2 strokes, radical 丿, rank #8612, Hard
乃
nǎi
thereupon
HSK 7, unknown, 2 strokes, radical 丿, rank #8612, Hard
nǎi(nai3) T3
1then; really, indeed, after all
2to be
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
乃nǎi(nai3)
The character 乃 (nǎi) is often used to indicate a conclusion or result, similar to 'then' or 'therefore' in English. It can also convey emphasis, meaning 'indeed' or 'after all'. This character is commonly found in classical Chinese texts and can lend a formal tone to sentences.
Strokes2Radical丿Frequency#8612DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In classical Chinese literature, 乃 is frequently used to connect philosophical arguments, reflecting the importance of logic and reasoning in Chinese culture. Its presence in historical texts indicates a rich tradition of deliberation.
Memory Tip
Imagine a wise sage (the character 乃) pointing out a path (the meaning of 'then' or 'therefore') with a finger, emphasizing that you must follow it. The character's form suggests a sense of direction and consequence.
Meanings of 乃
nǎi(nai3)
1then; really, indeed, after all
2to be
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 乃
乃Simplified
2Strokes
丿Radical
副词fùcíadverb (adv.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 乃
Podcast: 乃
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AI Study Notes for 乃
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a wise sage (the character 乃) pointing out a path (the meaning of 'then' or 'therefore') with a finger, emphasizing that you must follow it. The character's form suggests a sense of direction and consequence.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 乃 with similar-sounding characters like 你 (nǐ) and 她 (tā). It is more formal and may not be used in everyday casual conversations. Common collocations include 乃至 (nǎizhì), which means 'even to' or 'up to'.
HSK Study Tips
While 乃 is not included in the HSK levels, understanding its usage can enhance comprehension of classical texts and formal writing at higher levels. Focus on recognizing its role in connecting thoughts or clauses.
Cultural Note
In classical Chinese literature, 乃 is frequently used to connect philosophical arguments, reflecting the importance of logic and reasoning in Chinese culture. Its presence in historical texts indicates a rich tradition of deliberation.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 乃 with 你 (nǐ), leading to mispronunciation or misinterpretation. For example, saying '你' when they mean '乃' can confuse the listener, as they have different meanings and usages.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 乃
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Grammar Patterns of 乃
乃 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 7 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
The sum of evidence points to the crime resting on them.
2
鸡蛋美乃滋是用蛋黄酱和煮老的鸡蛋做成的.
jī dàn měi nǎi zī shì yòng dàn huáng jiàng hé zhǔ lǎo de jī dàn zuò chéng de.
Egg mayonnaise is made with mayonnaise and hard - boiled eggs.
3
他在纽扣孔上佩了朵白色康乃馨.
tā zài niǔ kòu kǒng shàng pèi le duǒ bái sè kāng nǎi xīn.
He had a white carnation in his buttonhole.
4
新郎和男傧相的钮孔上都戴了一朵白色的康乃馨.
xīn láng hé nán bīn xiāng de niǔ kǒng shàng dū dài le yī duǒ bái sè de kāng nǎi xīn.
The bridegroom and the best man wore white carnations in their buttonholes.
5
他的扣洞上了一朵红色康乃馨.
tā de kòu dòng shàng le yī duǒ hóng sè kāng nǎi xīn.
A carnation having pale petals bordered by a darker color.
6
新郎和男傧相的纽扣孔上都插了一朵白色的康乃馨.
xīn láng hé nán bīn xiāng de niǔ kòu kǒng shàng dū chā le yī duǒ bái sè de kāng nǎi xīn.
The bridegroom and best man wore white carnations in their buttonholes.
7
困恼着这孩子的感情乃是一种虚无缥缈的恐怖.
kùn nǎo zháo zhè hái zǐ de gǎn qíng nǎi shì yī zhǒng xū wú piǎo miǎo de kǒng bù.
The feeling which beset the child was one of dim uncertain horror.
8
离校之前,我还在1914年6月16日参加了康乃尔的第47届毕业典礼.
lí xiào zhī qián, , wǒ huán1914 zài6 191416 nián 6 yuè 16 rì cān jiā le kāng47 nǎi ěr de dì 47.
Before leaving I attended the 47 th commencement of Cornell on June 16,
Cultural Notes for 乃
🏮Cultural insight
In classical Chinese literature, 乃 is frequently used to connect philosophical arguments, reflecting the importance of logic and reasoning in Chinese culture. Its presence in historical texts indicates a rich tradition of deliberation.
Word Family of 乃
Words Containing This Character11
乃nǎito be
木乃伊mummy (preserved corpse) (loanword)
乃至nǎizhìand even
乃是equivalent to either 是[shì] or 就是[jiùshì]
康乃馨carnation or clove pink
乃尔thus乃爾
乃东Nêdong county, Tibetan: Sne gdong rdzong, in Lhokha prefecture 山南地區|山南地区[Shānnándìqū], Tibet乃東
乃东县Nêdong county, Tibetan: Sne gdong rdzong, in Lhokha prefecture 山南地區|山南地区[Shānnándìqū], Tibet乃東縣
吉木乃Jeminay county or Jéminey nahiyisi in Altay prefecture 阿勒泰地區|阿勒泰地区[Alètàidìqū], Xinjiang
吉木乃县Jeminay county or Jéminey nahiyisi in Altay prefecture 阿勒泰地區|阿勒泰地区[Alètàidìqū], Xinjiang吉木乃縣
木乃伊化to mummify
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 乃 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 乃
Not typically; it is more common in formal writing or classical texts.
You might encounter phrases like 乃至 (nǎizhì), which means 'up to' or 'even to'.
Not exactly; while both can mean 'then', 乃 has a more formal nuance.
