Besides This: 除此之外
除此之外
Use 除此之外 as a transitional phrase to add supplementary information or emphasize exclusivity
除此之外 means "besides this" or "apart from this." It is a formal transitional phrase used to introduce additional information, or with a negative to emphasize that there is nothing else.
除此之外 can be used in two ways: (1) to add information — "besides this, there is also…" or (2) with a negative to emphasize exclusivity — "besides this, there is nothing else." The 此 (this) refers to what was just mentioned. Variants include 除此以外 and 除了这个以外.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Besides This: 除此之外 (除此之外)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the 除此之外 pattern
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Understanding 除此之外
The expression 除此之外 is an important transitional phrase in formal and semi-formal Chinese. It literally means "outside of this" (除=exclude, 此=this, 之外=outside). It serves as a bridge between two statements, either to add new information ("besides what I just said, there is also…") or to close the door on additional possibilities ("other than this, there is nothing else"). It appears frequently in speeches, essays, news articles, and formal conversations. In everyday speech, the simpler 除了这个以外 is more common, but 除此之外 elevates the register. Mastering this phrase significantly improves your ability to write and speak Chinese in structured, organized ways.
Key Points
- 除此之外 means "besides this / apart from this."
- It is a transitional phrase connecting two related statements.
- Additive use: 除此之外，还有… (besides this, there is also…).
- Exclusive use: 除此之外，什么都没有 (besides this, there is nothing else).
- 此 refers to the previously mentioned content.
- More formal than 除了这个以外; common in writing and formal speech.
In Chinese academic and business writing, 除此之外 is a standard transition phrase, similar to "moreover" or "in addition" in English formal writing. Using it correctly signals a well-organized, educated writing style.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
我只知道他是一位老师，除此之外，我对他一无所知。
I only know he is a teacher — beyond that, I know nothing about him.
Exclusive use: nothing else beyond what was stated
他会说中文和英文，除此之外，他还会说法语和日语。
He speaks Chinese and English; in addition, he also speaks French and Japanese.
Additive use: providing additional information
公司提供住房补贴，除此之外，还有交通和餐饮补助。
The company provides housing subsidies; in addition, there are transportation and meal allowances.
我只带了一个行李箱，除此之外什么都没有。
I only brought one suitcase — nothing else whatsoever.
这个地区以茶叶闻名，除此之外，丝绸也是重要的产业。
This region is famous for tea; in addition, silk is also an important industry.
除此之外，我还想补充一点。
Besides this, I would also like to add one more point.
Common Mistakes
In the additive pattern, use 还 (still/also), not 也. The 除此之外…还… structure is the standard pairing.
除此之外 is a fixed phrase — do not insert 了 after 除. If you want to use 除了, say 除了这个以外 instead.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Use 除此之外 in formal contexts. In casual speech, 除了这个以外 is more natural.
Remember the two uses: additive (除此之外，还…) and exclusive (除此之外，什么都没有).
Place a comma after 除此之外 when it starts a clause — it is a transitional phrase.
In essays and speeches, 除此之外 is excellent for organizing points: "First… Furthermore… 除此之外…"
Homework
Write a short essay introducing your hometown. Use 除此之外 at least twice: once to add additional information about your city (additive use), and once to emphasize something unique that exists nowhere else (exclusive use).