乃
is; is indeed (literary 是)
Structure
A ＋ 乃 ＋ B · A ＋ 乃是 ＋ B
What it means
Is, is indeed: links a subject to a judgment like 是, but with weight and a classical ring.
How it is built
A + 乃（是） + B: 胜败乃兵家常事 (Victory and defeat are all in a soldier’s day). Also 失败乃成功之母, the bookish form of the saying in lesson 5-23.
When to use it
Eulogies, editorials, formal statements and sayings. In speech it sounds bookish or jokey; just use 是.
Watch out
It cannot be negated: ✗不乃; write 并非 or 不是. Don’t confuse it with 乃至 (and even).
Examples
让亿万人端稳饭碗的人，乃真正的国士。
The man who gave hundreds of millions a secure bowl of rice is a true hero of the nation.
胜败乃兵家常事，输了一场不要紧。
Victory and defeat are all in a soldier’s day; losing one match does not matter.
此事乃本公司内部事务，不便对外透露。
This is an internal matter for the company and cannot be disclosed.
Learn this in Lesson 127 · HSK 7–9: 送别袁隆平 (Obituary: farewell to Yuan Longping)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
Open the lesson →