Meanings of 外面
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Podcast: 外面
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AI Study Notes for 外面
里面 (lǐmiàn) refers to the inside or interior of something, while 外面 (wàimiàn) specifically denotes the outside.
Be careful not to confuse 外面 with 里面 (lǐmiàn), which means inside. This word is generally informal, but it can be used in both spoken and written Chinese. Common collocations include '外面有风' (It's windy outside) and '外面很冷' (It's very cold outside).
Although 外面 is not specifically listed in HSK levels, it is essential vocabulary for beginners as it relates to spatial concepts. Students should focus on using this word in sentences about their surroundings to reinforce its meaning.
Learners often confuse 外面 (outside) with 里面 (inside). For example, saying '我在外面' (I am in the outside) is incorrect; it should be '我在里面' (I am inside) if referring to the interior.
Pronunciation of 外面
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Component Characters
How to say surface in Chinese
“surface” in Chinese is外面
外面 (wàimiàn) refers to the outside or exterior of something, often used to describe the outer surface of objects or locations. It can also imply the external appearance or environment surrounding a person or place, commonly used in everyday conversations when discussing locations or experiences outside a building.
When to use 外面
Be careful not to confuse 外面 with 里面 (lǐmiàn), which means inside. This word is generally informal, but it can be used in both spoken and written Chinese. Common collocations include '外面有风' (It's windy outside) and '外面很冷' (It's very cold outside).
外面 or something close to it
里面 (lǐmiàn) refers to the inside or interior of something, while 外面 (wàimiàn) specifically denotes the outside.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 外面 (outside) with 里面 (inside). For example, saying '我在外面' (I am in the outside) is incorrect; it should be '我在里面' (I am inside) if referring to the interior.
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Frequently Asked Questions about 外面
You can say '我想去外面走走' (I want to go outside for a walk).
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