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

"莫非"（mò fēi）is generally used at the start of the second clause of sentence.This grammar patter 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.

A , + 莫非 + B +（不成）

Examples

• 眼前 这个 人，莫非 就是 大名鼎鼎 的 公司 总经理 不成？
• 已经 这么 晚 了 他 还 没有 回来，莫非 他 出 了 什么 事 不成？
• 桌子 上 那 盘 鱼 怎么 不 见 了，莫非 被 猫 偷吃 掉 了不成？

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

• 你 莫非 真的 是 我 妈妈？
• 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

HSK6