In 15 Seconds
- Means leaving your home country for any reason.
- Combines 'exit' and 'country' into one simple verb.
- Used for travel, study, work, or moving permanently.
Meaning
This phrase literally means leaving your home country to go abroad. Whether you are traveling for a week or moving for a decade, this is the term you use.
Key Examples
3 of 6Talking about future dreams
我明年打算出国留学。
I plan to go abroad to study next year.
Checking if a friend has traveled
你以前出过国吗？
Have you ever been abroad before?
Formal business meeting
王经理正在出国访问。
Manager Wang is currently on an overseas visit.
Cultural Background
Historically, '出国' was seen as a path to success and 'gold-plating' one's resume. Today, while common, it remains a symbol of the middle class and global citizenship. The phrase '出国热' (going abroad fever) describes the massive trend of Chinese citizens traveling and studying globally.
No 'To' Needed
In English we say 'go TO abroad,' but in Chinese, '出国' is a complete action. Don't add '去' (go) before it unless you are emphasizing the intent.
The 'Home' Perspective
You only use '出国' relative to your own country. If a French person goes to Germany, and you are American, you'd just say 'he went to Germany,' not '出国'.
In 15 Seconds
- Means leaving your home country for any reason.
- Combines 'exit' and 'country' into one simple verb.
- Used for travel, study, work, or moving permanently.
What It Means
出国 is your go-to phrase for crossing international borders. It combines 出 (to go out) and 国 (country). It is simple and direct. It covers everything from a quick vacation to a permanent move. If you are leaving your motherland, you are 出国ing.
How To Use It
Think of it as a verb-object phrase. You can say 我想出国 (I want to go abroad). You can also add specific purposes. For example, 出国留学 means going abroad to study. 出国旅游 means going abroad for a trip. It usually sits right after the subject. You do not need a preposition like 'to' in English. Just say 谁 (who) + 出国.
When To Use It
Use it when discussing travel plans with friends. Use it in a job interview to show global experience. It is perfect for social media captions of your passport. It feels natural in almost any conversation about international movement. If you are at the airport, you are officially in the process of 出国.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for domestic travel. Even if the flight is ten hours, if you stay in the same country, it is not 出国. Also, do not use it if you are already in a foreign country and moving to another foreign country. In that case, use 去别的国家. 出国 implies leaving your 'home' base. Don't say it if you're just going to the grocery store, unless that store is in another country (which would be a very long trip for milk).
Cultural Background
For many years, 出国 was a massive life milestone in China. It represented a 'dream' of seeing the wider world. In the 80s and 90s, it was quite rare and prestigious. Today, it is much more common. However, it still carries a sense of adventure and ambition. Parents often save for years just so their child can 出国 for an education.
Common Variations
出国留学生: A student studying abroad.出过国: To have been abroad before (using the past experience marker过).出国深造: A fancy way to say going abroad for further intensive study.回国: The opposite—returning to your home country.
Usage Notes
The phrase is very versatile and functions as a verb. It is most commonly used in the 'Subject + (Time) + 出国' structure.
No 'To' Needed
In English we say 'go TO abroad,' but in Chinese, '出国' is a complete action. Don't add '去' (go) before it unless you are emphasizing the intent.
The 'Home' Perspective
You only use '出国' relative to your own country. If a French person goes to Germany, and you are American, you'd just say 'he went to Germany,' not '出国'.
The 'Sea Turtle'
People who '出国' and then return to China are jokingly called '海龟' (Sea Turtles) because it sounds like 'overseas returnee' (海外归来).
Examples
6我明年打算出国留学。
I plan to go abroad to study next year.
Commonly used with '留学' (study abroad).
你以前出过国吗？
Have you ever been abroad before?
Uses '过' to indicate past experience.
王经理正在出国访问。
Manager Wang is currently on an overseas visit.
Used with '访问' (visit) for a professional tone.
我要出国玩啦！太开心了！
I'm going abroad to play! So happy!
Casual and enthusiastic use.
你天天出国，护照都要用完了吧？
You go abroad every day, your passport must be almost full, right?
Hyperbole used for humor.
出国以后要经常联系啊。
Keep in touch often after you go abroad.
Expresses sentimental attachment.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence about studying in another country.
他想去美国___留学。
'出国' means going abroad, which fits the context of studying in the US.
How do you ask someone if they have ever been to another country?
你___过国吗？
The phrase is '出国', and the '过' is placed between the verb and object or after the phrase; here '出过国' is the standard way to ask about experience.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 出国
Texting friends about a vacation.
我要出国啦！
General conversation about plans.
他出国了。
Official news or business reports.
出国访问人员。
When to say 出国
At the Airport
准备出国
Graduation
打算出国留学
Family Dinner
谈论出国旅游
Office
出国出差
Practice Bank
2 exercises他想去美国___留学。
'出国' means going abroad, which fits the context of studying in the US.
你___过国吗？
The phrase is '出国', and the '过' is placed between the verb and object or after the phrase; here '出过国' is the standard way to ask about experience.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it covers everything from a 3-day vacation to moving forever. As long as you cross the border, you are 出国.
It is grammatically okay but redundant. Usually, just 出国 or 想出国 is enough.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend without changing the word.
You say 我没出过国. The 没 negates the action and 过 indicates past experience.
出国 is the act of leaving the country; 旅游 is the act of traveling. You can 出国旅游 (travel abroad).
Technically, no, as they are part of China, but people often use 出境 (crossing the border) for these trips instead.
Not exactly slang, but people often use 润 (rùn) lately as internet slang for emigrating abroad.
If you are already in the UK and go to France, you wouldn't say 出国. You'd say 去法国.
The most common way is 出国留学. It is a very standard four-character expression.
Not necessarily, though usually yes. You could 出国 by train or car if you live near a land border.
Related Phrases
回国 (Return to one's country)
海归 (Overseas returnee)
留学 (To study abroad)
签证 (Visa)
护照 (Passport)
