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March 24, 2026
此外cǐwài(ci3wai4)
此外 means 'besides' or 'in addition to,' and is often used to introduce additional information or to emphasize a point. It is commonly found in both spoken and written Chinese to link ideas or statements, indicating that what follows is supplementary to what has already been mentioned.
Frequency#6134DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
The use of 此外 reflects the Chinese emphasis on harmony and thoroughness in communication, where additional information is often provided to ensure clarity and completeness in discussions.
Memory Tip
Think of 此 (this) as pointing to something specific, and 外 (outside) as what is beyond that. Imagine you are pointing to your meal and saying, 'Besides this dish, there is also dessert outside!' The pronunciation 'ci3 wai4' can be remembered by imagining a 'sigh' (ci) when you realize there’s something more (wai) to enjoy.
Meanings of 此外
cǐwài(ci3wai4)
1besides
2in addition
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About 此外
此外Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
连词连词conjunction (conj.)Part of Speech
#6134Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L4IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 此外
Podcast: 此外
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AI Study Notes for 此外
Quick Contrast
此外 (cǐwài) vs 另外 (lìngwài) — use 此外 when emphasizing additional information directly related to the previous statement, while 另外 is more commonly used to introduce an alternative or different option.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 此 (this) as pointing to something specific, and 外 (outside) as what is beyond that. Imagine you are pointing to your meal and saying, 'Besides this dish, there is also dessert outside!' The pronunciation 'ci3 wai4' can be remembered by imagining a 'sigh' (ci) when you realize there’s something more (wai) to enjoy.
Usage Notes
Be cautious of using 此外 in overly casual conversations, as it tends to have a more formal tone. Common collocations include 此外，还 (in addition, also) and 此外，另外 (besides, additionally). A frequent mistake is using it in place of '而且' (érqiě), which is more conversational.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 此外 connects well with other conjunctions and transitional phrases like 但是 (but) and 然而 (however). Students should focus on how to use it to enhance their writing and speaking by linking sentences and ideas smoothly.
Cultural Note
The use of 此外 reflects the Chinese emphasis on harmony and thoroughness in communication, where additional information is often provided to ensure clarity and completeness in discussions.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 此外 with 也 (also) or 而且 (and), leading to sentences like '此外我也去' (I also go), which should be '我也去' instead of combining it awkwardly with 此外.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 此外
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Grammar Patterns of 此外
此外 functions as a conjunction — it connects clauses or phrases. Many Chinese conjunctions come in pairs (虽然…但是…, 因为…所以…); use them at the front of the clauses they link. It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Further, these three solutions are all orthogonal to each other.
Cultural Notes for 此外
🏮Cultural insight
The use of 此外 reflects the Chinese emphasis on harmony and thoroughness in communication, where additional information is often provided to ensure clarity and completeness in discussions.
Frequently Asked Questions about 此外
While it's not incorrect, 此外 is more formal and is better suited for written texts or formal speeches.
此外 emphasizes adding more information, while 另外 can imply a different aspect or alternative.
It is pronounced as 'ci3 wai4,' with the third tone for 'ci' and the fourth tone for 'wai'.
