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March 24, 2026
耐nài(nai4)
The character 耐 (nài) primarily means to endure or tolerate, often referring to the ability to withstand difficult conditions or situations. It can describe both physical durability and emotional patience, making it applicable in various contexts, such as discussing materials, personal traits, or experiences that require resilience.
Strokes9Radical而Frequency#7044DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of endurance is highly valued, often tied to traditional philosophies like Confucianism, which emphasizes patience and resilience in the face of hardship. This is reflected in sayings and proverbs that encourage tolerance and perseverance.
Memory Tip
Imagine a sturdy tree (木) that can withstand harsh weather (耐). The character 耐 combines the radical for 'to endure' with the element for 'power' (能), symbolizing strength in tolerance. Visualize a tree standing firm against the winds, embodying patience and durability.
Meanings of 耐
nài(nai4)
1capable of enduring
2able to tolerate
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 耐
耐Simplified
9Strokes
而Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#7044Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 耐
Podcast: 耐
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AI Study Notes for 耐
Quick Contrast
耐 (nài) vs 忍 (rěn) — use 耐 for physical endurance and materials, while 忍 emphasizes emotional patience and tolerance.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a sturdy tree (木) that can withstand harsh weather (耐). The character 耐 combines the radical for 'to endure' with the element for 'power' (能), symbolizing strength in tolerance. Visualize a tree standing firm against the winds, embodying patience and durability.
Usage Notes
Learners might confuse 耐 with similar words like 忍 (rěn), which also means to endure but with a focus on emotional restraint. 耐 is more about physical or general endurance. It is used in both formal and informal contexts, often paired with words like '耐心' (nàixīn, patience). Be cautious with the fourth tone, as mispronouncing it may change its meaning.
HSK Study Tips
As 耐 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, learners can focus on its use in phrases and compounds such as '耐心' (patience) or '耐久' (durability). Understanding its context in daily conversation will enhance vocabulary retention and fluency at HSK levels 3 and above.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of endurance is highly valued, often tied to traditional philosophies like Confucianism, which emphasizes patience and resilience in the face of hardship. This is reflected in sayings and proverbs that encourage tolerance and perseverance.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mix up 耐 (nài) with 忍 (rěn), leading to phrases like '忍心耐心' which is incorrect. Instead, use '耐心' to correctly express patience. Additionally, some may forget the correct tone, pronouncing it as 'nǎi' instead of 'nài'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 耐
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Grammar Patterns of 耐
耐 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 7 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
rén rén dū pèi fú tā de nài xīn hé yǒng bù shuāi jiǎn de hǎo pí qì。
Everyone admired her patience and unfailing good humour.
10
伊妮德是位好教师, 她对学生很有耐心.
yī nī dé shì wèi hǎo jiào shī, , tā duì xué shēng hěn yǒu nài.
Enid was a good teacher. She was very patient with her pupils.
Cultural Notes for 耐
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of endurance is highly valued, often tied to traditional philosophies like Confucianism, which emphasizes patience and resilience in the face of hardship. This is reflected in sayings and proverbs that encourage tolerance and perseverance.
Word Family of 耐
Words Containing This Character20
耐心nàixīnpatience
耐nàipatient
忍耐rěnnàito endure
能耐néngnaiability
不耐烦búnàifánimpatience不耐煩
耐力endurance
耐性nàixìngpatience
耐受to tolerate
耐用nàiyòngdurable
耐人寻味nàirénxúnwèithought-provoking耐人尋味
耐克Nike, Inc.
耐磨wear resistant
耐药性drug resistance耐藥性
吃苦耐劳hardworking and enduring hardships (idiom)吃苦耐勞
耐热fireproof耐熱
耐久durable
耐受性resistance
耐看well worth a second look
忍耐力patience
急不可耐unable to wait
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 耐心 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 耐
Synonyms for 耐 include 忍耐 (rěnnài), which means to endure, and 耐心 (nàixīn), meaning patience. These terms are often used in similar contexts when discussing endurance or tolerance.
耐 can be found in idiomatic expressions like '耐得住寂寞' (nài dé zhù jìmò), which means 'to endure loneliness.' It highlights the concept of being resilient in difficult situations and is commonly used in discussions about emotional strength.
耐 (nài) means to endure or to tolerate. It conveys the idea of being durable or resistant, often used to describe materials or a person's patience. In everyday usage, it can also imply a sense of being hardy or robust.
You can use 耐 in sentences like '这个材料很耐用' (Zhège cáiliào hěn nàiyòng), which means 'This material is very durable.' It can also be used to describe a person's qualities, such as '她很耐心' (Tā hěn nàixīn), meaning 'She is very patient.'
Common phrases include '耐心' (nàixīn, patience) and '耐热' (nàirè, heat-resistant).
You can say '他很有耐心' (Tā hěn yǒu nàixīn), meaning 'He is very patient.'
It is commonly used in both written and spoken Chinese, especially in contexts discussing characteristics or qualities.
