Waimian refers to the external area relative to a boundary or interior space.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Refers to the exterior space or outside area.
- Commonly used to describe weather or location.
- Opposite of inside (里面).
Overview
- 1概述：‘外面’是中文中最基础的方位词之一，用于描述位置。它既可以指建筑、房间的外部，也可以指某个物体表层。2) 使用模式：通常放在名词后或直接作主语/宾语。常见结构有‘在外面’、‘去外面’。3) 常见语境：在日常生活中，人们常说‘外面下雨了’（室外）或‘包装的外面印着名字’（表面）。4) 同义词辨析：‘外面’与‘外边’意思基本相同，但在口语中‘外边’更常用；‘室外’则更侧重于与‘室内’相对的封闭环境，语体较正式。
Examples
外面在下雨。
everydayIt is raining outside.
请把包装盒外面擦干净。
formalPlease wipe the outside of the box clean.
我们去外面吃吧。
informalLet's eat out.
外面的环境对儿童成长很重要。
academicThe external environment is important for a child's growth.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
外面的人
people outside
跑外面
running around outside
外面世界
the outside world
Often Confused With
Refers specifically to the outdoors, usually contrasted with indoor environments. It sounds more formal than '外面'.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Waimian is a neutral, high-frequency word suitable for almost all contexts. Use it freely in daily conversation. Avoid using it in highly technical or legal documents where '外部' might be preferred.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes use '外面' when they mean 'outside of a specific subject' (like a topic). In such cases, use '以外' instead. Also, ensure you don't omit the '在' when describing a static location.
Tips
Use with location verbs
Pair '外面' with verbs like '去' (go), '在' (be at), or '从' (from) to clearly indicate movement or static position.
Do not confuse with abstract 'outside'
While '外面' works for physical spaces, use '外界' when referring to the abstract outside world or society.
The importance of going out
In Chinese culture, '出去走走' (going outside for a walk) is a very common activity to relax or socialize.
Word Origin
Derived from '外' (outside) and '面' (face/side). Literally means the 'outside face' of an object or space.
Cultural Context
The concept of 'outside' is often associated with public space versus the private sanctuary of the home. In Chinese culture, the boundary between inside and outside is culturally significant.
Memory Tip
Think of a house: the door is the border, everything beyond it is '外面'. It is the opposite of '里面' (inside).
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questions两者意思几乎一样，可以互换使用。‘外边’在口语中使用频率略高，而‘外面’在书面语中也经常出现。
不可以，这是逻辑矛盾。‘外面’和‘里面’是反义词，不能同时修饰同一个位置。
你可以问‘他在哪儿？’，如果他在室外，回答可以是‘他在外面’。
Test Yourself
天黑了，别去___玩了。
天黑时通常指室外环境，因此用‘外面’。
Score: /1
Summary
Waimian refers to the external area relative to a boundary or interior space.
- Refers to the exterior space or outside area.
- Commonly used to describe weather or location.
- Opposite of inside (里面).
Use with location verbs
Pair '外面' with verbs like '去' (go), '在' (be at), or '从' (from) to clearly indicate movement or static position.
Do not confuse with abstract 'outside'
While '外面' works for physical spaces, use '外界' when referring to the abstract outside world or society.
The importance of going out
In Chinese culture, '出去走走' (going outside for a walk) is a very common activity to relax or socialize.
Examples
4 of 4外面在下雨。
It is raining outside.
请把包装盒外面擦干净。
Please wipe the outside of the box clean.
我们去外面吃吧。
Let's eat out.
外面的环境对儿童成长很重要。
The external environment is important for a child's growth.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More general words
一下儿
A1a bit, a moment
点儿
A1a little bit
有点儿
A1a little, somewhat (negative connotation)
一下
A2A bit; a moment (used after a verb).
异样
B1different; unusual; strange
关于
A1about, concerning
快要
A2to be about to (happen)
大约
B1Used to show that a number or amount is not exact; approximately.
上边
A2above, on top
上面
A1on, above, over
