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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
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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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
Memory Mnemonic
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.
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.
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.
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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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
Complete the Sentence
“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.
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.
Word Family of 奈
Compounds4
萘nai4naphthalene
捺na4to press down firmly with the fingers
倷
錼
Words Containing This Character9
无奈wúnàihelpless無奈
奈nàihow can one help
无可奈何wúkěnàihéhave no way out無可奈何
奈何to cope
康奈尔Cornell (US University)康奈爾
西奈Sinai Peninsula
奈良Nara, an old capital of Japan
莫奈Claude Monet (1840-1926), French impressionist painter
万般无奈to have no way out萬般無奈
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 萘 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 奈
It often conveys a sense of helplessness, as in '奈何' which means 'what can be done?'.
Yes, '奈何' is a common expression that means 'what can be done' or 'how can one help'.
No, it is mostly used in formal or literary contexts.
