外面

• Pinyin: wài miàn
• Hanzi breakdown: 外 = 夕 (evening) + 卜 (divination); 面 = pictograph of a face, also meaning 'surface' or 'side'

Meaning

Outside; outdoors. Refers to the space beyond an enclosed area.

A common everyday word indicating the exterior of a building, room, or any bounded space. Interchangeable with 外边 in most contexts. Can refer to physical outside spaces or metaphorically to matters outside one's scope.

Examples

1. 外面下雨了，别忘了带伞。 It's raining outside — don't forget to bring an umbrella.
2. 孩子们在外面玩。 The children are playing outside.
3. 外面的风很大，把门关上吧。 The wind outside is strong — let's close the door.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, family

Tone: casual

Do Say

• 我在外面等你。(I'll wait for you outside.)
• 外面天气很好，出去走走吧。(The weather is nice outside — let's go for a walk.)

Don't Say

• 他在外面工作。(If you mean someone works abroad, use 在国外, not 在外面. 外面 means outside a building or room, not outside the country.)

Origin & History

外 means 'outside' and 面 means 'side' or 'face'. Together they indicate the outer side or exterior.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal