格外

• Pinyin: gé wài
• Hanzi breakdown: 格 = 木 (wood) + 各 (each) — a standard or pattern; 外 = 夕 (evening) + 卜 — outside, beyond the norm

Meaning

Especially; exceptionally; more than usual. An adverb indicating something exceeds the normal degree.

Used to emphasise that a quality or state is notably beyond what is typical. Often interchangeable with 特别 or 尤其, but carries a slightly more literary flavour. Commonly modifies adjectives: 格外高兴 (especially happy), 格外安静 (unusually quiet).

Examples

1. 今天的天气格外好。 The weather today is especially nice.
2. 考试前一天，他格外紧张。 The day before the exam, he was exceptionally nervous.
3. 经过这件事，他对朋友格外珍惜。 After this experience, he treasured his friends especially.

Usage Guide

Context: narrative, everyday

Tone: emphatic

Do Say

• 春天来了，公园里格外热闹。(Spring has come, and the park is especially lively.)
• 雨后的空气格外清新。(The air is especially fresh after the rain.)

Don't Say

• 我格外去了超市 (Don't use 格外 to modify verbs of action — it modifies adjectives and states; say 我特意去了超市 for 'I went to the supermarket on purpose')

Origin & History

格 (standard/frame) + 外 (outside). Beyond the normal standard — hence 'especially' or 'exceptionally.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal