Expressing "could it be possible that" with "mofei"

莫非 (mòfēi) is generally used at the start of the second clause of sentence. This grammar pattern can express doubt or make a guess It can also be used to ask a rhetorical question, similar to 难道 (nándào).

Structure

When expressing doubt or making a guess, use the following pattern. The 不成 at the end of the sentence is optional. Remember that in this form, the 莫非 is usually at the beginning of the second clause.

Fact, + 莫非 + conjecture + (不成)?

Examples

• 眼前 这个 人，莫非 就是 大名鼎鼎 的 房地产 大亨？
• 这么 晚 了 他 还 没有 回来，莫非 他 出 了 什么 事 ？
• 桌子 上 那 条 鱼 怎么 不 见 了，莫非 被 猫 偷 吃 了不成？
• 莫非 他 听到 了 我们 的 谈话？

Structure

You can use 莫非 the same way you would use 难道: in a rhetorical question. Remember that these questions are to emphasize a point, so they usually aren't meant to be answered.

Subject + 莫非 + rhetorical question

or

莫非 + Subject + rhetorical question

Examples

• 莫非 她 真的 是 你 的 亲生 母亲？
• 莫非 你 真的 相信 他？
• 莫非 他 真的 要 去 丛林 探险？

See also

• Rhetorical Questions with "nandao"

Sources and further reading

Books

• 现代汉语八百词(p.389) →buy
• Common Chinese Patterns 330 (汉语常用格式330例) (p. 171)→buy

HSK6