此外

• Pinyin: cǐ wài
• Hanzi breakdown: 此 = 止 (stop) + 匕 (spoon/person); 外 = 夕 (evening) + 卜 (divination)

Meaning

Besides; in addition; moreover. A formal conjunction used to introduce supplementary information.

Used in both spoken and written Chinese to add information to a previous statement. More formal than 另外 and often appears in news reports, essays, and official speech. Typically placed at the beginning of a sentence.

Examples

1. 这家餐厅的菜很好吃，此外服务态度也非常好。 The food at this restaurant is delicious, and besides, the service attitude is also very good.
2. 他会说英语和法语，此外还在学习中文。 He can speak English and French, and in addition, he is also learning Chinese.
3. 公司决定提高工资，此外还增加了假期天数。 The company decided to raise salaries, and moreover, increased the number of vacation days.

Usage Guide

Context: writing, speech, academic

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 此外，我们还需要考虑成本问题。(In addition, we also need to consider the cost issue.)
• 这本书内容丰富，此外插图也很精美。(This book is rich in content; moreover, the illustrations are exquisite.)

Don't Say

• 在口语中过多使用此外显得太正式 (Using 此外 too much in casual conversation sounds overly formal — use 另外 or 还有 instead)

Origin & History

此 (this) + 外 (outside) — literally 'outside of this,' meaning beyond what has already been mentioned.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal