lǎowài: 老外 - Foreigner, Outsider

• Keywords: laowai meaning, what does laowai mean, is laowai offensive, Chinese word for foreigner, foreigner in China, expat in China, lao wai, lǎowài, 老外, wàiguó rén, Chinese slang
• Summary: “Lǎowài” (老外) is the most common informal Chinese word for “foreigner,” especially a non-East Asian foreigner. While its literal translation is “old outside,” it's a widely used colloquial term that can range from neutral and curious to friendly and familiar. This guide explores the meaning of lǎowài, its cultural context, whether it's considered offensive, and how to use it correctly in modern China.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): lǎowài
• Part of Speech: Noun
• HSK Level: HSK 5
• Concise Definition: An informal and very common term for a foreigner.
• In a Nutshell: `老外` is the everyday, conversational way most Chinese people refer to foreigners. Think of it as the informal equivalent of “foreigner” or “expat.” The `老 (lǎo)` prefix here doesn't necessarily mean “old”; it's often used in colloquial language to create a familiar or casual tone (like in names, e.g., 老王 Lǎo Wáng). Its connotation is highly dependent on the context and tone of voice.

• 老 (lǎo): The most common meaning is “old” or “elderly.” However, it's also a very common prefix added to surnames or certain nouns to indicate familiarity, respect, or simply as a colloquial habit. In `老外`, it functions to make the term informal and conversational.
• 外 (wài): Means “outside,” “external,” or “foreign.” It's the same character used in words like `外国 (wàiguó)` - foreign country.

When combined, `老 (lǎo)` and `外 (wài)` create a casual, everyday term for someone from the “outside,” i.e., a foreigner. It's far less formal than the official term `外国人 (wàiguó rén)`.

The term `老外` is a window into Chinese culture's perception of in-groups and out-groups. Historically, China was a relatively closed society, and anyone from the outside was a notable exception. `老外` captures this sense of “otherness” in a way that the English word “foreigner” doesn't quite match.

• Comparison to “Foreigner” / “Expat”:
  • “Foreigner” in English can sound neutral but also clinical, legalistic, or even hostile depending on context (“illegal foreigner”).
  • “Expat” is a term mostly used by Westerners themselves to describe a specific class of skilled professionals living abroad, and is rarely used by local Chinese people.
  • `老外` sits in a unique space. It's a term used by locals about foreigners. It's not formal, not inherently negative, but it immediately and informally categorizes a person as non-Chinese. For foreigners who have lived in China for a long time, hearing it can sometimes feel tiring, as it perpetually marks them as an outsider, regardless of their language skills or cultural integration.

The term reflects a cultural reality where national identity is very strong. While not intended as an insult in most cases, it does highlight a person's non-Chinese status as a primary identifier.

`老外` is used constantly in daily life, from street-side chatter to office conversations. Its meaning is shaded by the situation.

• Neutral / Curious: This is the most common usage. People might point out a foreigner out of simple curiosity.
  • “你看，那个老外的鼻子好高啊！” (Nǐ kàn, nàge lǎowài de bízi hǎo gāo a!) - “Look, that foreigner's nose is so prominent!”
• Friendly / Familiar: It can be used affectionately between friends. A Chinese person might introduce their American friend by saying:
  • “这是我的朋友，一个美国老外。” (Zhè shì wǒ de péngyou, yíge Měiguó lǎowài.) - “This is my friend, an American foreigner.”
• Slightly Negative / Complaining: In a negative context, it can be used to generalize or complain. The negativity comes from the surrounding words, not `老外` itself.
  • “有些老外真不知道怎么用筷子。” (Yǒuxiē lǎowài zhēn bù zhīdào zěnme yòng kuàizi.) - “Some foreigners really don't know how to use chopsticks.”
• Formal vs. Informal: `老外` is strictly informal. In a business meeting, on the news, or in official documents, the proper term `外国人 (wàiguó rén)` would be used. Using `老外` in a formal setting would be inappropriate.

• Example 1:
  • 你看，那边有好多老外在拍照。
  • Pinyin: Nǐ kàn, nàbiān yǒu hǎo duō lǎowài zài pāizhào.
  • English: Look, there are a lot of foreigners over there taking pictures.
  • Analysis: A simple, neutral observation. This is a very common and harmless way the term is used.
• Example 2:
  • 那个老外的中文说得真地道！
  • Pinyin: Nàge lǎowài de Zhōngwén shuō de zhēn dìdao!
  • English: That foreigner's Chinese is so fluent/authentic!
  • Analysis: Used here as a compliment. It's an informal way to praise a foreigner's language ability.
• Example 3:
  • 我是一个在中国生活了十年的老外。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ shì yíge zài Zhōngguó shēnghuó le shí nián de lǎowài.
  • English: I am a foreigner who has lived in China for ten years.
  • Analysis: Shows how foreigners themselves adopt the term to describe their identity in an informal, self-aware way.
• Example 4:
  • 老板，我们公司的老外同事想尝尝地道的北京烤鸭。
  • Pinyin: Lǎobǎn, wǒmen gōngsī de lǎowài tóngshì xiǎng chángchang dìdao de Běijīng kǎoyā.
  • English: Boss, our foreign colleague wants to try authentic Beijing roast duck.
  • Analysis: Used in a casual workplace context. It's informal but acceptable among colleagues.
• Example 5:
  • 很多老外都喜欢喝冰水，但中国人更习惯喝热水。
  • Pinyin: Hěn duō lǎowài dōu xǐhuān hē bīng shuǐ, dàn Zhōngguó rén gèng xíguàn hē rè shuǐ.
  • English: Many foreigners like to drink ice water, but Chinese people are more used to drinking hot water.
  • Analysis: A general statement about cultural differences. Here, `老外` functions as a broad category.
• Example 6:
  • 别担心，这个老外是我的好朋友，他能听懂。
  • Pinyin: Bié dānxīn, zhège lǎowài shì wǒ de hǎo péngyou, tā néng tīng dǒng.
  • English: Don't worry, this foreigner is my good friend, he can understand.
  • Analysis: Used in a familiar, friendly way to refer to a specific person.
• Example 7:
  • 为什么很多老外不怕冷，冬天也穿得那么少？
  • Pinyin: Wèishénme hěn duō lǎowài bù pà lěng, dōngtiān yě chuān de nàme shǎo?
  • English: Why are so many foreigners not afraid of the cold and wear so little in the winter?
  • Analysis: A question based on a common observation or stereotype. The tone is one of genuine curiosity.
• Example 8:
  • 这个老外太吵了，在地铁里一直大声说话。
  • Pinyin: Zhège lǎowài tài chǎo le, zài dìtiě lǐ yìzhí dàshēng shuōhuà.
  • English: This foreigner is too loud, talking so loudly on the subway.
  • Analysis: An example of a negative usage. The insult is “too loud” (太吵了), and `老外` is just the descriptor for the person being criticized.
• Example 9:
  • 我们餐厅很受老外欢迎。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen cāntīng hěn shòu lǎowài huānyíng.
  • English: Our restaurant is very popular with foreigners.
  • Analysis: Used in a business context to describe a customer demographic. It's neutral and descriptive.
• Example 10:
  • 虽然我是个老外，但我觉得自己比很多中国朋友更能吃辣。
  • Pinyin: Suīrán wǒ shì ge lǎowài, dàn wǒ juéde zìjǐ bǐ hěn duō Zhōngguó péngyou gèng néng chī là.
  • English: Although I'm a foreigner, I think I can handle spicy food better than many of my Chinese friends.
  • Analysis: A playful, self-referential use of the term to contrast with a stereotype.

• `老外` vs. `外国人` (wàiguó rén): This is the most crucial distinction.
  • `老外` is informal. Use it with friends, in casual conversation, or when talking about general trends.
  • `外国人` is formal and neutral. Use it in official writing, news reports, academic discussions, or when you want to be explicitly respectful and formal.
  • Mistake: Saying “尊敬的各位老外” (Zūnjìng de gèwèi lǎowài - “Respected foreigners”) in a formal speech. This would sound very strange and unprofessional. The correct version is “尊敬的各位外国朋友” (Zūnjìng de gèwèi wàiguó péngyou).
• Is it Offensive or Racist?
  • For the vast majority of Chinese speakers, `老外` is not considered a slur or an insult. It's a descriptor, much like saying “that tall guy” or “the person with red hair.”
  • However, for some foreigners, especially those who have lived in China long-term, it can feel exclusionary. It constantly reminds them that they are perceived as “other,” no matter how well they speak the language or adapt to the culture.
  • It's a “false friend” to racial slurs in English. Its function is about nationality and culture, not primarily race, though it's most often applied to non-Asians.
• Who is a `老外`?
  • The term is most commonly used for Caucasians (white people) and people of African descent. It is less frequently used to refer to other East Asians (like Japanese or Koreans) or Southeast Asians, though technically it could apply to any non-Chinese person.

• 外国人 (wàiguó rén) - The neutral, formal word for “foreigner.” The direct and standard equivalent.
• 洋人 (yángrén) - “Ocean person.” An older term for a Westerner, now sounds dated and can sometimes carry a slightly negative or historical (e.g., colonial-era) connotation.
• 鬼佬 (guǐlǎo) - A Cantonese term, literally “ghost man.” Often considered derogatory, though some speakers use it colloquially without malicious intent. It's best for learners to avoid using this.
• 国际友人 (guójì yǒurén) - “International friend.” A very formal, positive, and often political term used in state media to describe friendly foreign visitors or dignitaries.
• 外宾 (wàibīn) - “Foreign guest.” A formal term used for official guests, tourists in a formal context (e.g., at a hotel), or foreign delegations.
• 中国通 (zhōngguó tōng) - “China expert.” A high compliment for a foreigner who has a deep understanding of Chinese culture, language, and society.
• 老乡 (lǎoxiāng) - “Fellow townsman.” The conceptual opposite of `老外`, referring to someone from the same village or region, emphasizing a strong in-group bond.