HSK 7-9
乃至
nǎizhì
And even; up to; to the point of
Structure
A, B, 乃至 C (where C is more significant/extreme than A and B)
How it works
The conjunction '乃至' is used to indicate a progression from a smaller scale, lower degree, or narrower scope to a larger, higher, or broader one. It often highlights an extreme case or an unexpected addition to a list, emphasizing the extent of a situation.
Examples
这种新药可以有效治疗感冒，乃至某些罕见的肺部疾病。
Zhè zhǒng xīnyào kěyǐ yǒuxiào zhìliáo gǎnmào, nǎizhì mǒu xiē hǎnjiàn de fèibù jíbìng.
This new medicine can effectively treat colds, and even some rare lung diseases.
整个城市，乃至全国，都沉浸在节日的喜悦中。
Zhěnggè chéngshì, nǎizhì quánguó, dōu chénjìn zài jiérì de xǐyuè zhōng.
The whole city, and even the entire country, was immersed in the joy of the festival.
不当的饮食习惯会导致肥胖乃至严重的健康问题。
Bùdàng de yǐnshí xíguàn huì dǎozhì féipàng nǎizhì yánzhòng de jiànkāng wèntí.
Improper eating habits can lead to obesity and even serious health problems.
Common mistakes
Users often confuse '乃至' with '甚至'. While both mean 'even', '乃至' is more formal and primarily focuses on progression in scope or degree, whereas '甚至' is more common in spoken language and can emphasize surprise.
Tip
Think of '乃至' as 'A, and even B' where B is the logical extension or the extreme limit of A.
More HSK 7-9 grammar
See 乃至 in real Chinese
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