HSK 7
乃
nǎi
乃 (nǎi) - To be, namely (formal/literary)
Explanation
乃 (nǎi) is a copula (a word linking the subject with the defining part) carrying a classical/literary usage (an archaic, formal usage still surviving in modern Chinese), meaning 'is, precisely is', equivalent to 是 (shì) in modern Chinese, used to affirm or define.
A (subject) + 乃 (nǎi) + B (the affirming/defining part); it often goes with the classical 之 (zhī), for example 成功之母 (chénggōng zhī mǔ - the mother of success).
in maxims, proverbs, and formal, classical writing; almost never used in everyday speech.
乃 (nǎi) and 是 (shì) both mean 'is', but 是 is used commonly in speech and writing, whereas 乃 fits only classical, formal style and gives a solemn, concise feeling.
using 乃 in everyday communication sounds very theatrical and unnatural; and adding 是 after 乃 (乃 already fulfills the role of 'is', so there is no need for the redundant 乃是, except in some fixed phrases).
Examples
'Dream of the Red Chamber' is precisely an outstanding representative of ancient fiction.
Failure is the mother of success.
Practice
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Learn “乃” effectively
The grammar point “乃” (乃 (nǎi) - To be, namely (formal/literary)) 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.
Study tip: read the examples aloud many times to build a natural reflex. Then try making your own sentences for your own situations. Use the audio button to hear and practice accurate pronunciation.
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