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March 24, 2026
外面()wàimiàn(wai4mian4)
外面 (wàimiàn) refers to the outside or exterior of something, often used to describe the outer surface of objects or locations. It can also imply the external appearance or environment surrounding a person or place, commonly used in everyday conversations when discussing locations or experiences outside a building.
Frequency#585DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 外面 can often imply a connection to nature and the environment, as people frequently engage in outdoor activities, especially during festivals and holidays.
Memory Tip
Think of '外' (wài), which means outside, and '面' (miàn), which means surface or face. Together, picture a house with a big face on the outside, representing what you see when you look at the exterior!
Meanings of 外面
wàimiàn(wai4mian4)
primary
1surface
2outside
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About 外面
外面Simplified
Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L2ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 外面
Podcast: 外面
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AI Study Notes for 外面
Quick Contrast
里面 (lǐmiàn) refers to the inside or interior of something, while 外面 (wàimiàn) specifically denotes the outside.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of '外' (wài), which means outside, and '面' (miàn), which means surface or face. Together, picture a house with a big face on the outside, representing what you see when you look at the exterior!
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 外面 with 里面 (lǐmiàn), which means inside. This word is generally informal, but it can be used in both spoken and written Chinese. Common collocations include '外面有风' (It's windy outside) and '外面很冷' (It's very cold outside).
HSK Study Tips
Although 外面 is not specifically listed in HSK levels, it is essential vocabulary for beginners as it relates to spatial concepts. Students should focus on using this word in sentences about their surroundings to reinforce its meaning.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 外面 can often imply a connection to nature and the environment, as people frequently engage in outdoor activities, especially during festivals and holidays.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 外面 (outside) with 里面 (inside). For example, saying '我在外面' (I am in the outside) is incorrect; it should be '我在里面' (I am inside) if referring to the interior.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 外面
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Cultural Notes for 外面
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of 外面 can often imply a connection to nature and the environment, as people frequently engage in outdoor activities, especially during festivals and holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions about 外面
You can say '我想去外面走走' (I want to go outside for a walk).
Not always; it can also refer to metaphorical 'outsides,' like someone’s public persona.
Yes, you can describe a building's exterior as '外面的样子' (the appearance of the outside).
