乃
be; thus; your; only then
Meanings
4 senses · 20 examplesadverb
to be; exactly is; indeed is
literaryUsed in formal classical or literary modern Chinese, often in set phrases or written statements.
A Dream of Red Mansions is a masterpiece of an era.
Failure is the mother of success.
Show 3 more examplesShow fewer examples
This is my original intention.
This action is a wise one.
This is the truth.
conjunction
then; therefore; thus
literaryUsed to connect clauses to indicate a consequent action or result based on a previous condition.
As the mountain was steep, we took a short rest at the mountainside.
The road was muddy, so we took a different route.
Show 3 more examplesShow fewer examples
It was pouring rain, so we suspended outdoor activities temporarily.
Upon hearing the bad news, I cried bitterly.
It happened to be a festival, so we held a banquet to entertain guests.
adverb
only then; just
literaryUsed to indicate that a condition must be met before an action or state can occur, often paired with conditional words.
Only with an open mind can one make progress.
Only through hard work can one achieve success.
Show 3 more examplesShow fewer examples
Only after going through hardships can one see true feelings.
When the Double Ninth Festival comes, we will come back to enjoy chrysanthemums.
One cannot see a rainbow without going through wind and rain.
pronoun
your; you; your (possessive)
literaryUsed as a second-person personal pronoun or possessive modifier in classical Chinese, rarely used in modern daily speech.
Your father and elder brother are both loyal and righteous people.
This belongs to your elder brother, please do not touch it without permission.
Show 3 more examplesShow fewer examples
Where is your father?
How is your younger brother recently?
Wish your mother good health and longevity.