外衣

• Pinyin: wài yī
• Hanzi breakdown: 外 = 夕 (evening) + 卜 (divination); 衣 = pictograph of a garment

Meaning

Outer garment; coat; jacket. Clothing worn over other clothes.

General term for any garment worn as the outermost layer, including coats, jackets, and overcoats. Can be used figuratively for an outer covering or facade (披着...的外衣 - under the guise of). Related: 外套 (coat, more specific).

Examples

1. 今天降温了，出门时别忘了穿外衣。 The temperature dropped today. Don't forget to wear a coat when you go out.
2. 她脱下外衣挂在衣架上，然后坐了下来。 She took off her coat, hung it on the rack, and sat down.
3. 有些骗子披着慈善的外衣，干着违法的事。 Some scammers operate under the guise of charity while doing illegal things.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, fashion, figurative

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 请把外衣挂起来。(Please hang up your coat.)
• 天冷了，多穿件外衣。(It's getting cold, put on another layer.)

Don't Say

• 我买了一件外衣外套 — 外衣和外套意思接近，不需要重复使用

Origin & History

Compound of 外 (outer, external) + 衣 (clothing, garment). Straightforward combination meaning outer clothing.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal