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March 24, 2026
外wài(wai4)
The character 外 (wài) refers to the concept of 'outside' or 'external'. It can denote physical locations, such as being outside a building, as well as abstract ideas, like foreign countries or additional information. It is commonly used in contexts involving contrast or distinction from the inside or internal aspects.
Strokes5Radical夕Frequency#773DifficultyEasy
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 外 (wài) often relates to the importance of hospitality and the way outsiders are treated, especially in social contexts. The distinction between 外 and 内 reflects the Chinese value placed on in-group versus out-group relationships.
Memory Tip
Imagine a big wooden door with a sign that says '外' hanging outside. The door represents the boundary between the inside (内, nèi) and the outside (外, wài). The character itself has a simple outline, resembling a frame that defines what is within and what is beyond.
Meanings of 外
wài(wai4)
1outside
2in addition
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 外
外Simplified
5Strokes
夕Radical
方位词direction word (dir.)Part of Speech
#773Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L2HSK 3.0L1ElementaryTOCFLL1HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 外
Podcast: 外
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AI Study Notes for 外
Quick Contrast
外 (wài) vs 外面 (wàimiàn) — use 外 for a more abstract or general sense of 'outside', while 外面 specifically refers to the physical exterior surface or area.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 外 (wài) with 内 (nèi), which means 'inside'. It is used in both formal and informal contexts, often appearing in phrases like '外国' (wàiguó) for 'foreign country'. Watch out for tone errors, as the correct pronunciation has a falling tone.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 2 word, 外 (wài) connects with other basic location and directional terms, reinforcing spatial understanding. Students should focus on using it in sentences to describe places and relationships, such as '我在外面' (wǒ zài wàimiàn) meaning 'I am outside'.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 外 (wài) with 里 (lǐ), which means 'inside'. For example, saying '我在外' (wǒ zài wài) instead of '我在外面' (wǒ zài wàimiàn) is incorrect; '外面' specifies 'outside' more clearly.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 外
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Phonosemantic compound. 卜 represents the meaning and 月 represents the sound. 卜 here is used iconically as an arrow pointing to the outside.
1The giveawayNight-time 夕 divinations 卜; the supernatural, the foreign
2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 外? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 外?
Decomposition of 外
IDS Structure⿰夕卜
外Full Character
=
夕xi1
left
卜—
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 外?
How to say outside in Chinese
“outside” in Chinese is外wài
The character 外 (wài) refers to the concept of 'outside' or 'external'. It can denote physical locations, such as being outside a building, as well as abstract ideas, like foreign countries or additional information. It is commonly used in contexts involving contrast or distinction from the inside or internal aspects.
When to use 外
Be careful not to confuse 外 (wài) with 内 (nèi), which means 'inside'. It is used in both formal and informal contexts, often appearing in phrases like '外国' (wàiguó) for 'foreign country'. Watch out for tone errors, as the correct pronunciation has a falling tone.
外 or something close to it
外 (wài) vs 外面 (wàimiàn) — use 外 for a more abstract or general sense of 'outside', while 外面 specifically refers to the physical exterior surface or area.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 外 (wài) with 里 (lǐ), which means 'inside'. For example, saying '我在外' (wǒ zài wài) instead of '我在外面' (wǒ zài wàimiàn) is incorrect; '外面' specifies 'outside' more clearly.
Write 外
外
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Grammar Patterns of 外
外 carries 5 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
