外人

wàirén

noun #10,029

Meanings

1 outsider; stranger
2 foreigner; someone outside one's group

Characters

outside; external

Examples

HSK 2

这是家里的事，不要告诉外人。

Zhè shì jiālǐ de shì, bùyào gàosù wàirén.

This is a family matter, don't tell outsiders.

HSK 3

外人很难理解他们的关系。

Wàirén hěn nán lǐjiě tāmen de guānxì.

Outsiders can hardly understand their relationship.

HSK 5

你不是外人，不用客气。

Nǐ bùshì wàirén, bùyòng kèqi.

You're not an outsider, no need to be polite.

Tips

culture

In Chinese culture, the inside/outside distinction (内/外) is important. Saying 你不是外人 ('you're not an outsider') is a warm way to include someone as part of your inner circle.

Stroke Order

外 wài

人 rén