HSK 7
⋯⋯ ，乃至⋯⋯；⋯⋯，且⋯⋯
⋯ ⋯ ， nǎi zhì ⋯ ⋯ ； ⋯ ⋯ ， qiě ⋯ ⋯
The structures '乃至 ...' and '且 ...'
Explanation
These are two connectives used in progressive compound sentences (sentences with multiple clauses, where the later clause pushes the idea stronger/further than the earlier one): "乃至" (nǎi zhì) and "且" (qiě). Both lean toward written usage (usage found in books and formal texts, seldom in speech).
(1) …，乃至 (nǎi zhì) + an element indicating a higher level/scope — meaning "even (extending to)"; (2) …，且 (qiě) + a supplementary clause — meaning "moreover, and furthermore".
use "乃至" to push the scope/degree progressively to an extreme point (from small to large, from near to far); use "且" to add a supplementary idea in a progressive direction, more formal than "而且" (érqiě).
"乃至" ≈ "甚至" (shènzhì) but more formal and literary, and usually placed at the end of a progressively ascending enumeration; "且" ≈ "而且" but more concise and archaic, often standing alone to connect clauses.
using "乃至" when the clauses have no progressive relationship (mere parallel enumeration — one should use "和/以及"); using "且" in everyday conversation, which makes the sentence overly bookish (one should use "而且/并且").
Examples
His facial expression, his gaze, even his every move, were all seen clearly by others.
He is familiar with Beijing, familiar with Paris too, even with the whole world.
He handles matters rigorously and conscientiously, and moreover is very responsible, thus earning the trust of the leadership.
This street is both dirty and messy, always very damp, and moreover throughout all four seasons of the year there is inevitably a strange odor.
Practice
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Learn “⋯⋯ ，乃至⋯⋯；⋯⋯，且⋯⋯” effectively
The grammar point “⋯⋯ ，乃至⋯⋯；⋯⋯，且⋯⋯” (The structures '乃至 ...' and '且 ...') is one of the key structures at HSK 7. To use it fluently, you need to understand the contexts where it's used and practice regularly.
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