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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
Choose the correct answer:
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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2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 奈? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 奈?
Decomposition of 奈
IDS Structure⿱大示
奈Full Character
=
大da4
top
示shi4
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 奈?
How to say how can one help in Chinese
“how can one help” in Chinese is奈nài
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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Practice writing 奈 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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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.
