Definition
莫非 (mò fēi) is a formal, literary adverb meaning 'could it be that…' — it's used in writing or refined speech for speculative or rhetorical questions. Its more common cousin 难道 (nán dào) is the everyday spoken version and can carry stronger 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 jīntiān de yuēhuì?Could it be that he forgot today's appointment?
- ，莫非？Nǐ yìzhí bù shuōhuà, mò fēi shēngqì le?You haven't said a word — could it be that you're angry?
- 莫非？mò fēi zhè jiù shì nǐ yìzhí xiǎng yào de nà běn shū?Could this be the book you've been wanting all along?
Grammar
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