国内

• Pinyin: guó nèi
• Hanzi breakdown: 国 = 囗 (enclosure) + 玉 (jade) — a territory with precious things, a country; 内 = 冂 (enclosure) + 入 (enter) — inside

Meaning

Domestic; within the country. Refers to things happening inside one's own country.

The opposite of 国外 (abroad/overseas). Used to distinguish things within the country from those outside it. Common phrases: 国内航班 (domestic flight), 国内市场 (domestic market), 国内旅游 (domestic travel), 国内外 (at home and abroad).

Examples

1. 今年暑假我打算在国内旅游。 This summer holiday I plan to travel within the country.
2. 这个品牌在国内很有名。 This brand is very well-known domestically.
3. 国内的快递服务越来越快了。 Domestic courier services are getting faster and faster.

Usage Guide

Context: travel, news, business

Tone: informative

Do Say

• 这件事在国内引起了很大的关注。(This matter has attracted great attention domestically.)
• 国内航班不需要护照。(Domestic flights don't require a passport.)

Don't Say

• 我在国内的美国住了三年。(Don't pair 国内 with another country's name when talking about your own country — it sounds contradictory. Say 我在美国住了三年.)

Origin & History

Compound of 国 (country/nation) and 内 (inside/within). Together they specify 'within the country.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal