见外

• 拼音: jiàn wài
• 汉字拆解: 见 = to see, regard as; 外 = 夕 (evening) + 卜 (divination) — outside

含义

To be overly formal; to treat as an outsider; too polite. Being unnecessarily distant or formal with someone close.

Used when someone is being too polite or formal in a relationship where closeness is expected. Often said as a mild reproach to encourage someone to be less formal. Common in Chinese culture where close relationships are marked by informality rather than excessive politeness.

例句

1. 我们这么多年的朋友了，你跟我还见外什么？
2. 来我家就别见外了，当自己家一样。
3. 她总是跟婆婆很见外，说话客客气气的。

用法指南

语境: social, family, friendship

语气: warm

正确说法

• 别见外，有什么需要尽管说。(Don't be so formal, just say if you need anything.)
• 你太见外了，快把钱收起来。(You're being too polite, put that money away.)

错误说法

• 对初次见面的人说'别见外' (Don't tell someone you just met 别见外 — it's only appropriate for people you already have a close relationship with)

起源与历史

Composed of 见 (to see/treat as) + 外 (outside). Literally means treating someone as an outsider rather than as close family or friends.

文化背景

世代: All ages

社会背景: Universal