郊外

• Pinyin: jiāo wài
• Hanzi breakdown: 郊 = 交 + 阝(city) — areas outside the city walls; 外 = outside

Meaning

Outskirts; suburbs; countryside around a city. The areas outside the urban center but not deep into rural territory.

Refers to areas on the edges of cities or towns, typically characterized by less dense development, more green space, and a mix of urban and rural features. Often associated with weekend getaways, nature, and escape from city life.

Examples

1. 周末我们一家人开车去郊外野餐，呼吸新鲜空气。 On weekends, our whole family drives to the outskirts for a picnic and fresh air.
2. 随着城市扩张，原来的郊外现在都变成了住宅区。 As the city expanded, what used to be the outskirts has now become residential areas.
3. 他在郊外买了一块地，打算退休后种菜养花。 He bought a plot of land in the suburbs and plans to grow vegetables and flowers after retirement.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, travel, real estate

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 郊外的空气比市区好多了。(The air in the suburbs is much better than in the city.)
• 我们去郊外散散心吧。(Let's go to the outskirts to relax.)

Don't Say

• 用'郊外'描述真正的农村地区 (Don't use 郊外 for deep rural areas — it means city outskirts; use 农村 or 乡下 for the countryside)

Origin & History

Composed of 郊 (suburbs; outskirts) + 外 (outside). Together they emphasize areas outside the city proper.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal