乃
nǎi
Only then
乃 (nǎi) — is, precisely
Subject + 乃 (nǎi) + Noun phrase (+ 也 (yě))
HSK 7–93.0
Pattern diagram
Who / what乃Noun也
pale — also possible
Rule structure
乃 (nǎi) is a literary judgment adverb that replaces 是 (shì)/就是 (jiù shì) in written style, emphasizing identity or a conclusion: "this is precisely", "it is". Typical patterns are 乃 (nǎi)……也 (yě) (nǎi……yě) and 此乃 (cǐ nǎi)…… (cǐ nǎi……). In colloquial speech, 是 (shì) is normally used instead.
Rule structure
乃 (nǎi) is a literary judgment adverb that replaces 是 (shì)/就是 (jiù shì) in written style, emphasizing identity or a conclusion: "this is precisely", "it is". Typical patterns are 乃 (nǎi)……也 (yě) (nǎi……yě) and 此乃 (cǐ nǎi)…… (cǐ nǎi……). In colloquial speech, 是 (shì) is normally used instead.
Examples
此乃小事，不必担心。
Cǐ nǎi xiǎoshì, bú bì dānxīn.
This is but a trifle; there is no need to worry.
Examples
此乃小事，不必担心。
Cǐ nǎi xiǎoshì, bú bì dānxīn.
This is but a trifle; there is no need to worry.
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Words from this rule
Frequently asked questions
How do you say “is, precisely” in Chinese with 乃?
Use the structure: Subject + 乃 (nǎi) + Noun phrase (+ 也 (yě)). For example: 此乃小事，不必担心。 — “This is but a trifle; there is no need to worry”.
What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?
此乃小事，不必担心。 — “This is but a trifle; there is no need to worry”.
Which HSK level includes this grammar rule?
This grammar rule is part of HSK 3.0 Levels 7–9.
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More HSK 3.0 Levels 7–9 grammar rules
向来 — always previously
Subj. + 向来 (xiànglái) + Verb / Adj.
偏 — contrary to expectations
Subj. + 偏偏 (piānpiān) + Verb (undesirable coincidence)
无非 — nothing but
无非 (wúfēi) + Noun / Clause (dismissive)
何必 — why bother
何必 (hébì) + Verb Phrase (rhetorical, unnecessary)
按理 — logically speaking
按理 (ànlǐ) / 按说 (ànshuō) + Clause (conclusion that clashes with the fact)
不妨 vs 务必 — advice vs requirement
不妨 (bùfáng) + Verb Phrase (soft suggestion) / 务必 (wùbì) + Verb Phrase (insistent requirement)
照常 — as usual
Subj. + 照常 (zhàocháng) / 照例 (zhàolì) / 照样 (zhàoyàng) + Verb
碰巧 / 恰巧 — coincidence
Subj. + 碰巧 (pèngqiǎo) / 恰巧 (qiàqiǎo) + Verb Phrase