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March 24, 2026
外表wàibiǎo(wai4biao3)
外表 (wàibiǎo) refers to the external appearance or outward form of something or someone. It is commonly used in contexts discussing physical looks, presentations, or superficial characteristics, often contrasting with inner qualities or essence.
Frequency#4064DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, there is a strong emphasis on outward appearance, especially in contexts such as job interviews or social gatherings, where first impressions can significantly impact perceptions.
Memory Tip
Think of 外 (wài) as 'outside' and 表 (biǎo) as 'surface' or 'display'. Imagine someone putting on a shiny outer layer like wrapping paper to make a gift look appealing, but the real value is inside.
Meanings of 外表
wàibiǎo(wai4biao3)
1external
2outside
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 外表
外表Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#4064Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 外表
Podcast: 外表
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AI Study Notes for 外表
Quick Contrast
外观 (wàiguān) - use 外表 when emphasizing superficial characteristics, while 外观 often refers to the overall appearance or design.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 外 (wài) as 'outside' and 表 (biǎo) as 'surface' or 'display'. Imagine someone putting on a shiny outer layer like wrapping paper to make a gift look appealing, but the real value is inside.
Usage Notes
Be cautious not to confuse 外表 with 内在 (nèizài), which means inner qualities. This term is more informal and can be used in both casual and formal contexts but is often discussed in personal or social settings. Ensure to match the tone of your conversation when referring to someone's outward appearance.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 外表 connects with other vocabulary related to descriptions and evaluations of people and objects. Students should focus on using it in comparative sentences or discussions about aesthetics and personality.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, there is a strong emphasis on outward appearance, especially in contexts such as job interviews or social gatherings, where first impressions can significantly impact perceptions.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 外表 with 外观 (wàiguān), which means 'appearance' but has a broader application, including design. Remember that 外表 is specifically about the physical traits of people or objects.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 外表
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Grammar Patterns of 外表
外表 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
他粗暴的____下藏着一颗非常善良的心。
His gruff exterior concealed one of the kindest hearts.
Example Sentences for 外表 (10)
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1
他粗暴的外表下藏着一颗非常善良的心。
tā cū bào de wài biǎo xià cáng zháo yī kē fēi cháng shàn liáng de xīn。
His gruff exterior concealed one of the kindest hearts.
2
在那副外表背后，他们和我们大家是完全一样的。
zài nà fù wài biǎo bèi hòu， ， tā mén hé wǒ mén dà jiā shì wán quán yī yàng。
Behind the facade they are just like the rest of us.
Character is not separable from physical form but is governed by it.
6
船体的外表面非常坚硬.
chuán tǐ de wài biǎo miàn fēi cháng jiān yìng.
The outer surface of ship's hull is very hard.
7
她对自己外表的关注近于强迫。
tā duì zì jǐ wài biǎo de guān zhù jìn yú qiáng pò。
She became almost obsessional about the way she looked.
8
他是个瘦骨棱棱,脸色发灰的人, 活象没吃饱饭, 外表总是非常邋遢.
tā shì gè shòu gǔ léng léng, , liǎn sè fā huī de, rén , huó xiàng méi chī, bǎo fàn , wài biǎo zǒng shì fēi.
He's a scrawny, greyfaced man, who looks half - starved, and he's always very slovenly in appearance.
9
他被她的外表——高挺的鼻梁、深邃的双眸和浓密的秀发——迷住了。
tā bèi tā de wài biǎo—— —— gāo tǐng de bí、 liáng 、 shēn suì de shuāng móu hé nóng mì de—— xiù fā ——。
He was fascinated by her physiognomy — the prominent nose, brooding eyes and thick hair.
10
有些唾液酸位于溶酶体的外表面.
yǒu xiē tuò yè suān wèi yú róng méi tǐ de wài biǎo miàn.
Some sialic acid is on the external surface of lysosomes.
Cultural Notes for 外表
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, there is a strong emphasis on outward appearance, especially in contexts such as job interviews or social gatherings, where first impressions can significantly impact perceptions.
Frequently Asked Questions about 外表
No, 外表 specifically refers to physical appearance; for character, you might use 性格 (xìnggé).
Not necessarily; it can be neutral or positive, depending on the context. It highlights superficial traits without implying judgment.
You can say, '他的外表非常吸引人' (Tā de wàibiǎo fēicháng xīyǐn rén), meaning 'His appearance is very attractive.'
