COMPONENTS & ETYMOLOGY
Understanding 乃
Detailed component breakdown coming soon
Use the stroke animation above to study the character’s complete form.
Traditional etymology note: A pregnant woman; compare 孕
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How to Write 乃 (nǎi) — Chinese Character Stroke Order, Meaning & Practice Sheet
to be
nǎiTone 3 (Dipping)Let your pitch fall, then rise.
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STROKE BY STROKE
Static stroke diagrams
Follow all 2 strokes in the correct order.
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StrokeSheetCharacter Writing Worksheet
nǎi
乃
to be
Common words
nǎi zhì
乃至
and even; to go so far as to
nǎi
乃
to be; thus; so; therefore
Follow the stroke order, then write it on your own.
乃
乃
乃
乃
乃
乃
乃
乃
LEARNING TIP
Remember 乃
Say “nǎi” aloud as you replay the animation. Then hide the model and write the 2 strokes from memory. Short, repeated practice builds a stronger visual and motor connection.
Practice on CanvasWORDS WITH 乃
Common words and phrases
nǎi zhì
and even; to go so far as to
nǎi
to be; thus; so; therefore
Frequently asked questions
How many strokes are in 乃?
乃 is written with 2 strokes.
What does 乃 (nǎi) mean?
乃 (nǎi) means to be.
What is the radical of 乃?
The radical of 乃 is 丿, associated with Not yet classified.