unknown, 9 strokes, radical 木, rank #38740, Very Hard
柰
nài
how can one help
unknown, 9 strokes, radical 木, rank #38740, Very Hard
nài(nai4) T4
1crab-apple tree; to endure, to bear
2crab-apple
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
柰nài(nai4)
The character 柰 (nài) primarily refers to the crab-apple tree and conveys meanings related to endurance or bearing something. It is often used in contexts discussing patience or the ability to withstand difficulties. Additionally, it can express a rhetorical question about how one can help or endure a situation.
Strokes9Radical木Frequency#38740DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the crab-apple tree is often associated with resilience and beauty, symbolizing the ability to thrive in adversity. This aligns with the broader cultural value placed on enduring hardships.
Memory Tip
Imagine a crab-apple tree standing tall despite harsh winds. The character 柰 has the '木' (wood) radical, symbolizing trees, while the '奈' part can remind you of 'nigh' or 'near', suggesting the tree is enduring the elements nearby. Picture the tree, strong and resolute, as it bears fruit and weather challenges.
Meanings of 柰
nài(nai4)
1crab-apple tree; to endure, to bear
2crab-apple
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 柰
柰Simplified
9Strokes
木Radical
语素morpheme (morph.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 柰
Podcast: 柰
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 柰
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a crab-apple tree standing tall despite harsh winds. The character 柰 has the '木' (wood) radical, symbolizing trees, while the '奈' part can remind you of 'nigh' or 'near', suggesting the tree is enduring the elements nearby. Picture the tree, strong and resolute, as it bears fruit and weather challenges.
Usage Notes
A common mistake is using 柰 in formal contexts where more standard words for 'endure' or 'bear' are preferred, such as 忍受 (rěn shòu). Note that the tone is flat and should not be confused with similar-sounding words. It’s best used in literary or poetic expressions rather than everyday conversation.
HSK Study Tips
While 柰 is not included in the HSK, it connects to themes of nature and endurance found in other characters at this level. Students should focus on the radicals and related words, enhancing their understanding of nature-related vocabulary.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the crab-apple tree is often associated with resilience and beauty, symbolizing the ability to thrive in adversity. This aligns with the broader cultural value placed on enduring hardships.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 柰 with similar-sounding characters, leading to incorrect usage. For instance, using 柰 instead of 耐 (nài), which is more common for 'endure,' can lead to misunderstanding.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 柰
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 柰 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 柰 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Cultural Notes for 柰
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the crab-apple tree is often associated with resilience and beauty, symbolizing the ability to thrive in adversity. This aligns with the broader cultural value placed on enduring hardships.
Word Family of 柰
Words Containing This Character1
柰nàicrab-apple
Exercise 1 of 1
Compound Meaning
What does 柰 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 柰
It's less common in casual speech and more often found in literary contexts, emphasizing endurance or patience.
Not exactly; 忍耐 (rěn nài) is more commonly used for 'endure' in everyday language.
Yes, it can appear in poetic expressions, but it is not part of common idioms.
