莫非 (mò fēi) — (adverb) could it be that; is it possible that (used to express a speculative or rhetorical question)
Definition
莫非 is a written adverb used in rhetorical 'could it be that…' questions, expressing a guess or suspicion. 难道 is its spoken, more emphatic counterpart — closer to 'don't tell me…' with surprise or disbelief.
adverb
could it be thatis it possible that (used to express a speculative or rhetorical question)
Examples
- 莫非？mò fēi Tā wàng le jīn tiān de yuē huì?Could it be that he forgot today's appointment?
- ，莫非？Nǐ yì zhí bù shuō huà, mò fēi shēng qì le?You haven't said a word — could it be that you're angry?
- 莫非？mò fēi Zhè jiù shì nǐ yì zhí xiǎng yào de nà běn shū?Could this be the book you've been wanting all along?
Grammar
Appears in
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