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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?

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
联合liánhéCoordinate

Two parts of equal weight, alike or opposite in meaning, standing side by side.

莫mòno
非fēinot

莫 and 非 both add a negative sense, making 莫非 ask whether something could be true.

Characters in this word

A drawing of the thing itself, worn down over three thousand years into a few strokes.

The shape of 莫 shows a sun sinking into bushes, meaning dusk.

Open 莫 →

A drawing of the thing itself, worn down over three thousand years into a few strokes.

The shape of 非 is drawn from two wings facing opposite directions. It later came to be used for going against or not being.

Open 非 →

Grammar

Appears in
HSK 3.0 Level 7-9

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