This is the 110th most frequent Chinese word.


"Outside" or "external."


In this sentence, '外' signifies 'outside' and refers to a location beyond a certain boundary or area.

我家外面有一棵大树。

Outside my house, there is a big tree.


Here, '外' is part of '外来', meaning 'foreign' or 'from outside', indicating something originating from an external source.

这个菜的味道很特别,是外来的。

The taste of this dish is unique; it is foreign.


In this context, '外' combines with '海' to form '海外', meaning 'overseas' or 'abroad', emphasizing a geographical externality.

我们公司正在开拓海外市场。

Our company is currently exploring overseas markets.