外界

• Pinyin: wài jiè
• Hanzi breakdown: 外 = 夕 (evening) + 卜 (divination), outside; 界 = 田 (field) + 介 (between), boundary

Meaning

The outside world; external environment; people or things outside a group.

Refers to the world or environment external to a particular group, organization, or space. Often used when discussing how outsiders perceive something or how external factors affect a situation. Common in media, business, and social contexts.

Examples

1. 公司对外界的批评保持沉默，不做任何回应。 The company remains silent about external criticism and doesn't respond at all.
2. 他很少与外界接触，几乎不用社交媒体。 He rarely has contact with the outside world and almost never uses social media.
3. 外界普遍认为这次合作对双方都有利。 The outside world generally believes this cooperation benefits both parties.

Usage Guide

Context: media, business, social

Tone: analytical

Do Say

• 与外界隔绝。(Isolated from the outside world.)
• 外界的看法。(Outside opinions.)

Don't Say

• 外界朋友 for friends outside your immediate circle — use 其他朋友 or 外面的朋友; 外界 is more abstract

Origin & History

Compound of 外 (outside/external) + 界 (boundary/world), meaning the world beyond the boundary.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal