乃至
and even; going so far as
Structure
A 、 B 乃至 更大或更远的 C
What it means
And even; going so far as: stretches a list or range to its furthest member.
How it is built
A (、B) + 乃至 + furthest C: 他的作品在全国乃至全世界都很有名 (His works are famous across the country and even the world).
When to use it
甚至 is the everyday word; 乃至 and 以至 are written. 乃至 mostly links the items of a list or range; 甚至 also works inside a clause: 他甚至没听说过.
Watch out
The last item must go further or wider than the rest: ✗ 全世界乃至全国 ✓ 全国乃至全世界. In chat, 甚至 sounds more natural.
Examples
读诗词要反复朗读，乃至背诵。
Poetry should be read aloud repeatedly, even learned by heart.
他的作品在全国乃至全世界都很有名。
His works are famous across the country and even the world.
Learn this in Lesson 208 · HSK 9+: 唐诗宋词 (Tang poems and Song lyrics)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. This lesson is free.
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