中外

• Pinyin: zhōng wài
• Hanzi breakdown: 中 = line through rectangle representing center; 外 = 夕 (evening) + 卜 (divination), meaning outside

Meaning

China and foreign countries; domestic and international; both Chinese and foreign.

Used to describe things that span or compare Chinese and non-Chinese contexts. Common in phrases like 中外合作 (Sino-foreign cooperation), 中外文化交流 (cultural exchange between China and abroad), and 古今中外 (throughout all times and places).

Examples

1. 这家企业的产品远销中外，在国际市场上享有盛誉。 This company's products sell well both domestically and abroad, enjoying a great reputation in the international market.
2. 古今中外，没有哪个国家能够完全避免经济波动。 Throughout history and across all nations, no country has been able to completely avoid economic fluctuations.
3. 这次展览汇集了中外艺术家的精品力作。 This exhibition brings together masterpieces from both Chinese and foreign artists.

Usage Guide

Context: journalism, business, academia

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 中外学者对此问题看法不一。(Chinese and foreign scholars have different views on this issue.)
• 公司积极拓展中外合作渠道。(The company actively expands Sino-foreign cooperation channels.)

Don't Say

• 我的中外朋友来吃饭了。(Awkward — use 中国和外国的朋友 or just 朋友们 in casual speech)

Origin & History

Compound of 中 (China, middle kingdom) and 外 (outside, foreign). Reflects the traditional Chinese worldview of China as the center and other nations as outside.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal