外观

• Pinyin: wài guān
• Hanzi breakdown: 外 = 夕 (evening) + 卜 (divination); 观 = 又 (hand) + 见 (see)

Meaning

External appearance; outward look. The visual appearance of something from the outside.

Used for products, buildings, designs, and sometimes people. Focuses on visual aesthetics rather than function. Often discussed in product reviews, architecture, and design contexts. Related: 外观设计 (exterior design), 外观专利 (design patent).

Examples

1. 这款手机的外观设计简洁大方，很符合现代审美。 The exterior design of this phone is simple and elegant, fitting modern aesthetics well.
2. 新建的博物馆外观独特，已经成为城市的地标。 The newly built museum has a unique exterior and has become a city landmark.
3. 不能只看外观，产品的质量和功能更重要。 You can't just look at the appearance; the quality and functionality of the product are more important.

Usage Guide

Context: design, products, architecture

Tone: descriptive

Do Say

• 这辆车的外观很漂亮。(This car looks beautiful.)
• 外观和性能都很重要。(Both appearance and performance are important.)

Don't Say

• 她的外观很好看 — 形容人的外表一般用'外貌'或'长相'，外观多用于物品

Origin & History

Compound of 外 (outside, external) + 观 (to look, appearance). Together meaning the external appearance as seen from outside.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal