外部

• Pinyin: wài bù
• Hanzi breakdown: 外 = 夕 (evening) + 卜 (divination); 部 = 咅 (phonetic) + 阝 (mound)

Meaning

External; exterior; outside part. The outer portion or aspects coming from outside.

Used to describe the exterior of objects, external factors in analysis, or parties outside an organization. Opposite of 内部 (internal). Common collocations: 外部环境 (external environment), 外部因素 (external factors), 外部压力 (external pressure).

Examples

1. 公司目前面临很大的外部竞争压力。 The company is currently facing significant external competitive pressure.
2. 这款产品的外部设计非常时尚，很受年轻人欢迎。 The exterior design of this product is very fashionable and popular with young people.
3. 我们要关注外部市场的变化，及时调整策略。 We need to pay attention to changes in external markets and adjust our strategy accordingly.

Usage Guide

Context: business, analytical, technical

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 外部因素不可控。(External factors are uncontrollable.)
• 这个机器的外部结构很坚固。(The external structure of this machine is very sturdy.)

Don't Say

• 我在房子外部 — 指物理位置用'外面'或'外边'更自然，外部多用于分析性描述

Origin & History

Compound of 外 (outside, foreign) + 部 (part, section). Together meaning the external part or section.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Professional