例外

• Pinyin: lì wài
• Hanzi breakdown: 例 = 亻(person) + 列 (row), a case in a series; 外 = 夕 (evening) + 卜 (divination), outside

Meaning

Exception; to be an exception. Something that doesn't follow the usual rule.

Can function as a noun (an exception) or a verb (to make an exception). Used to describe cases that deviate from established rules, patterns, or norms. Common in both formal and everyday contexts.

Examples

1. 这次我就为你破例外，下不为例。 I'll make an exception for you this time, but not again.
2. 他每天都按时上班，从来没有例外。 He goes to work on time every day without exception.
3. 规定是规定，但特殊情况可以例外处理。 Rules are rules, but special circumstances can be handled as exceptions.

Usage Guide

Context: rules, everyday, formal

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 没有例外，所有人都必须遵守。(No exceptions; everyone must comply.)
• 这次就算是个例外吧。(Let's consider this an exception.)

Don't Say

• 这个规则例外很多。(Use 有很多例外 — 例外 as a verb needs an object or context)

Origin & History

例 (lì, example/rule) + 外 (wài, outside). Something outside the normal example or rule.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal