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March 24, 2026
奈nài(nai4)
The character 奈 (nài) expresses a sense of helplessness or questioning how one can manage a situation. It is often used in contexts that imply endurance or tolerance, as well as in rhetorical questions that reflect on one's ability to change or cope with circumstances.
Strokes8Radical大Frequency#4217DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese literature and poetry, 奈 often appears in expressions of lamentation or existential questioning, reflecting a deep philosophical tradition that explores human resilience and acceptance of fate.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person with a heavy burden on their shoulders, looking up and asking, 'How can I bear this?' The character 奈 resembles a person standing under a heavy load, with the '女' (woman) radical suggesting support and endurance.
Meanings of 奈
nài(nai4)
1how can one help
2but, how; to bear, to stand, to endure
Exercise 1 of 3
By ear
Play it, then pick what 奈 means.
About 奈
奈Simplified
8Strokes
大Radical
动语素dòngcíverb root (v.root)Part of Speech
#4217Frequency Rank
Podcast: 奈
Podcast: 奈
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AI Study Notes for 奈
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 奈 with similar-sounding words, so paying attention to context is essential. It's typically used in formal or literary contexts rather than everyday conversation. Common collocations include '奈何' (nàihé) meaning 'how' or 'what can be done.'
HSK Study Tips
While 奈 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects to HSK words that express emotions or states of being, such as 忍 (rěn, to endure). Students should focus on recognizing its usage in phrases and idiomatic expressions.
Common Mistakes
Learners might confuse 奈 with other characters like 乃 (nǎi) which means 'to be' or 'thus.' For example, saying '我奈去' instead of '我奈何去' would be incorrect; the proper expression includes '何' to form a complete thought.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 奈
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How Well Do You Know 奈?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 奈 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
The character 奈 (nài) expresses a sense of helplessness or questioning how one can manage a situation. It is often used in contexts that imply endurance or tolerance, as well as in rhetorical questions that reflect on one's ability to change or cope with circumstances.
When to use 奈
Learners often confuse 奈 with similar-sounding words, so paying attention to context is essential. It's typically used in formal or literary contexts rather than everyday conversation. Common collocations include '奈何' (nàihé) meaning 'how' or 'what can be done.'
What learners get wrong
Learners might confuse 奈 with other characters like 乃 (nǎi) which means 'to be' or 'thus.' For example, saying '我奈去' instead of '我奈何去' would be incorrect; the proper expression includes '何' to form a complete thought.
Write 奈
奈
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Grammar Patterns of 奈
奈 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 2 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
“我知道你不相信我，”我无可____何地说。
"I know you don't believe me," I said resignedly.
Common Confusions with 奈
奈vs柰
nài
Similar pronunciation, but different meaning.
奈vs耐
nài
Similar pronunciation and meaning, but different in usage.
