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例外 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
例外lìwàiexceptionHSK 6, v, rank #4866, Hard
例外lìwàito be an exceptionHSK 6, v, rank #4866, Hard
lìwài(li4wai4) T4
  1. 1exception
  2. 2to be an exception
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March 24, 2026
例外lìwài(li4wai4)

例外 (li4 wai4) refers to a situation or instance that does not follow a general rule or pattern. It is commonly used in formal contexts, such as laws, regulations, or discussions where exceptions to standard practices are highlighted.

Frequency#4866DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of rules and hierarchy is significant, making exceptions noteworthy in discussions about authority and governance. The term 例外 is often encountered in legal documents, emphasizing the importance of rules in societal structure.

Memory Tip

Think of 例 (li) as a 'case' or 'example' and 外 (wai) as 'outside.' Together, they form a picture of something that is 'outside the norm' or an 'exception,' making it memorable as 'an example that is outside the usual rules.'

Meanings of 例外

lìwài(li4wai4)
1exception
2to be an exception
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 例外

例外Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#4866Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2

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Podcast: 例外

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AI Study Notes for 例外

Quick Contrast

例外 (exception) vs 特例 (special case) — use 例外 for general exceptions, while 特例 emphasizes a specific or unique situation.

Memory Mnemonic

Think of 例 (li) as a 'case' or 'example' and 外 (wai) as 'outside.' Together, they form a picture of something that is 'outside the norm' or an 'exception,' making it memorable as 'an example that is outside the usual rules.'

Usage Notes

Be careful not to confuse 例外 with similar terms like 例子 (li4 zi) which means 'example.' While 例外 can indicate a single occurrence, it's often used in formal discussions, so avoid using it in casual conversations. Remember to use the correct tones to convey the word accurately.

HSK Study Tips

As a HSK Level 6 word, 例外 can help learners understand complex sentences involving exceptions. Students should focus on its usage in legal or official contexts, as well as practice forming sentences that illustrate exceptions to rules.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of rules and hierarchy is significant, making exceptions noteworthy in discussions about authority and governance. The term 例外 is often encountered in legal documents, emphasizing the importance of rules in societal structure.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 例外 with 例子 (example) due to their similar structure. For instance, saying '这是一个例外的' (This is an example) is incorrect; the correct usage would be '这是一个例外' (This is an exception).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 例外

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Component Characters

例lìexample
8 strokes亻
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外wàioutside
HSK 15 strokes夕
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Write 例外

例
外

Practice writing 例外 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 例外

例外 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 2 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.

Related grammar lessons2
Exercise 1 of 4

Complete the Sentence

虽然可能有____，但该规定仍然有效。

Although exceptions could be made, the rule still stands.

Example Sentences for 例外 (8)

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1
虽然可能有例外，但该规定仍然有效。

suī rán kě néng yǒu lì wài， ， dàn gāi guī dìng réng rán yǒu。

Although exceptions could be made, the rule still stands.
2
边境上所有的东西都有定价，毒品、柚木和走私品无一例外。

biān jìng shàng suǒ yǒu de dōng xī dū yǒu dìng jià， ， dú、 pǐn 、 yòu mù hé zǒu sī pǐn wú yī。

Everything along the border has its price: drugs, teak, smuggled goods.
3
特德讨厌各种派对，即便是他自己喜欢的人的聚会也不例外。

tè dé tǎo yàn gè zhǒng pài duì， ， jí biàn shì tā zì jǐ xǐ huān de rén de jù huì yě bù lì。

Ted hated parties, even gatherings of people he liked individually.
4
这些女性几乎无一例外都受到了盘剥。

zhè xiē nǚ xìng jī hū wú yī lì wài dū shòu dào le pán bāo。

Almost without exception these women fall victim to exploitation.
5
那些被判有罪的人几乎无一例外都是我们的朋友和同事。

nà xiē bèi pàn yǒu zuì de rén jī hū wú yī lì wài dū shì wǒ mén de péng yǒu hé tóng shì。

Almost without exception those convicted were our friends and colleagues.
6
这个城市道路上的车辆从来就没少过，甚至晚上也不例外。

zhè gè chéng shì dào lù shàng de chē liàng cóng lái jiù méi shǎo guò， ， shèn zhì wǎn shàng yě bù lì。

The traffic in this city never lets up, even at night.
7
现在市场营销已无处不在，图书也不例外。

xiàn zài shì cháng yíng xiāo yǐ wú chǔ bù zài， ， tú shū yě bù lì。

Marketing is applied to everything these days, and books are no exception.
8
他的胖脸上例外地堆起了严肃的神情,他在用心思.

tā de pàng liǎn shàng lì wài dì duī qǐ le yán sù de shén qíng, , tā zài yòng xīn.

An unusually grim expression clouded his plump face: he was thinking hard.

Cultural Notes for 例外

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, the concept of rules and hierarchy is significant, making exceptions noteworthy in discussions about authority and governance. The term 例外 is often encountered in legal documents, emphasizing the importance of rules in societal structure.

Frequently Asked Questions about 例外

You can say, '这个规则没有例外,' meaning 'This rule has no exceptions.'