Only apply externally; do not take internally.
Word in 30 Seconds
- For external use only, do not ingest.
- Used for medicines, creams, and topical treatments.
- Distinguishes from internal or oral medication.
Overview
“外用” 这个词在中文里非常直观，直接表达了“在身体外部使用”的意思。它主要用于区分药物、药膏、药水、化妆品等的使用方式，强调其只能涂抹、喷洒或贴敷在体表，而不能通过口服、注射等方式进入体内。这个词在日常生活中，尤其是在药品说明、医疗建议和生活常识中非常常见。
“外用”通常作为动词使用，后面可以接具体的药物或物品名称，例如“此药仅供外用”。它也可以用在描述性短语中，如“外用药膏”、“外用消毒液”。在否定句中，它强调不能内服，例如“切勿内服，仅限外用”。
- 1药品说明：药品包装或说明书上最常见的用法，如“本品仅限外用，请勿口服。” 2. 医疗建议：医生或药剂师在指导患者用药时，会明确指示是外用还是内服。 3. 生活用品：一些清洁剂、消毒液等也可能标明“外用”，以区分于可食用的产品。 4. 化妆品和护肤品：虽然不常用“外用”这个词，但其概念是通用的，指涂抹在皮肤上。
- 1内服 (nèifú)：与“外用”相对，指通过口服、注射等方式进入身体内部使用的药物或方法。例如，“内服药物”。 2. 涂抹 (túmǒ)：指用手或工具将膏状、液体状的东西均匀地抹在物体表面。这是“外用”的一种具体方式，但“外用”的范围更广，不局限于涂抹，还可以是喷洒、贴敷等。 3. 口服 (kǒufú)：特指通过嘴巴吃下去。是“内服”的一种，与“外用”是完全相反的概念。
Examples
这个药膏是专门给婴儿皮肤设计的，仅限外用。
everydayThis ointment is specially designed for baby skin and is for external use only.
请遵医嘱，此药仅供外用，切勿内服。
medicalPlease follow the doctor's advice; this medicine is for external use only, do not ingest.
我买的这个消毒液是外用的，不能喝。
informalThis disinfectant I bought is for external use, you can't drink it.
该化合物仅用于外用研究，不涉及体内实验。
academicThis compound is intended for external research use only and does not involve in vivo experiments.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
仅限外用
For external use only
请勿内服
Do not take internally
外用效果显著
Remarkable effect when used externally
Often Confused With
'内服' (nèifú) means for internal use, typically taken orally or by injection, directly contrasting with '外用' (wàiyòng).
'涂抹' (túmǒ) specifically means to smear or apply something onto a surface. It describes a method of external application, whereas '外用' is the general category of use.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The term '外用' is primarily used in the context of medicines, creams, ointments, and disinfectants. It clearly indicates that the product is not meant to be ingested or taken internally. Always check product labels for this designation to ensure safe usage.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is assuming a product is safe for internal use if it doesn't explicitly say 'external use only'. However, the presence of '外用' is a strong warning against ingestion. Another mistake is confusing the method (like '涂抹' - to smear) with the category of use ('外用' - external use).
Tips
Understand Topical Application
Remember '外用' means it's for applying on the skin or other body surfaces, not for swallowing.
Strictly Follow Instructions
Always read the label carefully. Never ingest products labeled '仅限外用' (for external use only).
Health Product Safety
The distinction between '外用' and '内服' is crucial for safe use of health and medical products in Chinese culture.
Word Origin
The word '外用' is a direct combination of '外' (wài), meaning 'outside' or 'external', and '用' (yòng), meaning 'to use'. It literally translates to 'external use'.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, clear labeling of medicines is highly valued for safety. The distinction between '外用' and '内服' is fundamental knowledge for consumers, emphasized in healthcare education and product instructions.
Memory Tip
Think of '外' (wài) as 'outside' and '用' (yòng) as 'use'. So, '外用' means 'use outside'. Imagine applying something on the outside of a box, not putting it inside.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“外用”是指药物或物品只能用于身体的外部，如皮肤、黏膜等表面。而“内服”则指通过口、鼻、注射等方式进入身体内部使用的药物或方法。
绝大多数药膏都是外用药，用于治疗皮肤疾病或缓解局部症状。但也有极少数特殊情况，如某些可以直接吸收进入体内的药物制剂，但通常这类药物会有明确的说明。
这取决于药物的成分和剂量。有些外用药如果误食，可能会引起中毒反应或消化道不适。因此，一旦误食，应立即寻求医疗帮助，并携带药物说明书。
是的，“外用”通常包括身体的外部表面，也包括眼睛、耳朵、鼻子等部位的外部使用，但需要使用专门针对这些部位的滴剂或洗剂，并且必须严格按照说明使用。
Test Yourself
这瓶药水只能______，请勿口服。
根据句意，药物只能用在身体外部，所以“外用”是最合适的词。
下列哪种情况最符合“外用”的定义？
皮肤药膏是直接涂抹在皮肤表面的，属于外用。
请用“外用”和“说明书”造一个句子。
这个句子清晰地表达了“外用”的含义，并且与“说明书”这个词语搭配自然。
Score: /3
Summary
Only apply externally; do not take internally.
- For external use only, do not ingest.
- Used for medicines, creams, and topical treatments.
- Distinguishes from internal or oral medication.
Understand Topical Application
Remember '外用' means it's for applying on the skin or other body surfaces, not for swallowing.
Strictly Follow Instructions
Always read the label carefully. Never ingest products labeled '仅限外用' (for external use only).
Health Product Safety
The distinction between '外用' and '内服' is crucial for safe use of health and medical products in Chinese culture.
Examples
4 of 4这个药膏是专门给婴儿皮肤设计的，仅限外用。
This ointment is specially designed for baby skin and is for external use only.
请遵医嘱，此药仅供外用，切勿内服。
Please follow the doctor's advice; this medicine is for external use only, do not ingest.
我买的这个消毒液是外用的，不能喝。
This disinfectant I bought is for external use, you can't drink it.
该化合物仅用于外用研究，不涉及体内实验。
This compound is intended for external research use only and does not involve in vivo experiments.
