外出

• Pinyin: wài chū
• Hanzi breakdown: 外 = 夕 (evening) + 卜 (divination); 出 = pictograph of a foot stepping out

Meaning

To go out; to be away from home/office. To leave one's usual place for some purpose.

More formal than 出去. Often used in workplace contexts (外出办事 - out on business), or to describe being away from home. Can indicate a temporary absence or a trip away. Related: 外出就餐 (dining out), 外出旅行 (traveling).

Examples

1. 经理外出开会了，大概下午三点回来。 The manager is out for a meeting and will probably be back around 3 PM.
2. 外出的时候记得带上手机，方便联系。 Remember to bring your phone when you go out so we can contact you easily.
3. 疫情期间，政府建议大家减少不必要的外出。 During the pandemic, the government advised everyone to reduce unnecessary outings.

Usage Guide

Context: workplace, official, announcements

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 他外出办事了。(He's out on business.)
• 外出请锁好门窗。(Please lock the doors and windows when you go out.)

Don't Say

• 我要外出玩儿 — 口语表达玩乐用'出去玩'更自然，外出偏正式

Origin & History

Compound of 外 (outside) + 出 (to go out, exit). Together emphasizing going outside one's usual location.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal