lìngwài: 另外 - In Addition, Besides, Another

• Keywords: 另外, lingwai, Chinese for besides, Chinese for in addition, Chinese transition word, furthermore in Chinese, another in Chinese, other in Chinese, how to use lingwai, lingwai vs haiyou, Chinese grammar, HSK 3
• Summary: Learn how to use “另外” (lìngwài), a versatile and essential Chinese word. This guide explains its two main functions: as a transition word meaning “in addition” or “besides,” and as a determiner meaning “another” or “other.” Discover practical examples, common mistakes to avoid (like confusing it with 还有), and its cultural nuances to make your Chinese sound more natural and structured.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): lìngwài
• Part of Speech: Adverb, Conjunction, Determiner
• HSK Level: HSK 3
• Concise Definition: A word used to add supplementary information (“in addition”) or to specify a different item (“another”).
• In a Nutshell: “另外” (lìngwài) is a fundamental “linker” word in Chinese. Think of it as a signpost in your sentences. It either points to more information on a related topic, like saying “Furthermore…” or “Besides this…”, or it points to a different object or person, like saying “I'd like the other one.” Mastering its dual role is key to structuring your thoughts and speaking more fluently.

• 另 (lìng): This character means “other,” “another,” or “separate.” It directs attention away from something already mentioned and towards something new.
• 外 (wài): This character means “outside,” “external,” or “foreign.” It carries the feeling of something beyond the current scope.
• When combined, 另外 (lìngwài) literally means something like “an other, outside one.” This beautifully captures both of its meanings: adding information that is “outside” the previous point, or referring to “another” item that is separate from the first.

While “另外” isn't a deeply philosophical term, its frequent use reflects a common communication style that values structured, comprehensive explanations. In Chinese discourse, it's common to present a main point and then use “另外” to methodically add layers of supplementary information, reasons, or related thoughts. This creates a clear, logical flow. Compared to the English interjection “By the way…”, which often signals a change to a completely unrelated topic, “另外” usually keeps the conversation on track. It's more akin to “Furthermore” or “On a separate note (related to this topic)…”. It implies that the new information is still relevant to the overall context, showcasing a communication style that prefers building upon an existing topic rather than abruptly changing it. This subtle preference for cohesive, layered communication is a common feature in both formal and informal Chinese conversations.

“另外” is extremely common in everyday life, from casual chats to business meetings. Its usage is generally neutral and fits in most situations. The key is to understand its two primary grammatical patterns.

In this role, “另外” introduces a new clause or sentence that adds more information. It almost always appears at the beginning of the clause, often followed by a comma. `Subject + Verb + Object. 另外，Subject + 也/还 + Verb + Object.` It signals to the listener: “I'm done with that point, now here is another related point.”

Here, “另外” modifies a noun, specifying a different one from what was mentioned or implied. It works like the English word “another” or “other.” `另外 + (Measure Word) + Noun` The measure word is often required, but can sometimes be omitted if the context is very clear.

• Example 1: (Usage: Conjunction/Adverb)
  • 我今天很忙，要去银行。另外，我还要去一趟超市。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ jīntiān hěn máng, yào qù yínháng. Lìngwài, wǒ hái yào qù yí tàng chāoshì.
  • English: I'm very busy today, I need to go to the bank. In addition, I also have to make a trip to the supermarket.
  • Analysis: Here, “另外” introduces a second, separate task for the day. It connects the two activities into a single plan.
• Example 2: (Usage: Determiner)
  • 这件衬衫太小了，请给我看看另外一件。
  • Pinyin: Zhè jiàn chènshān tài xiǎo le, qǐng gěi wǒ kànkan lìngwài yí jiàn.
  • English: This shirt is too small, please show me another one.
  • Analysis: “另外” modifies “一件” (one piece), specifying a different shirt from the one just mentioned.
• Example 3: (Usage: Conjunction/Adverb)
  • 这家餐厅的菜很好吃，另外，服务也特别好。
  • Pinyin: Zhè jiā cāntīng de cài hěn hǎochī, lìngwài, fúwù yě tèbié hǎo.
  • English: The food at this restaurant is delicious. Furthermore, the service is also excellent.
  • Analysis: This example adds a supplementary positive point about the restaurant. The two points (food and service) are related but distinct aspects.
• Example 4: (Usage: Determiner)
  • 我们班有三十个学生，二十个是男生，另外十个是女生。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen bān yǒu sānshí ge xuéshēng, èrshí ge shì nánshēng, lìngwài shí ge shì nǚshēng.
  • English: There are thirty students in our class; twenty are boys, and the other ten are girls.
  • Analysis: “另外” is used here to refer to the rest of the group, functioning just like “the other” in English.
• Example 5: (Usage: Conjunction/Adverb)
  • 我同意你的计划，不过我另外还有几个建议。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ tóngyì nǐ de jìhuà, búguò wǒ lìngwài hái yǒu jǐ ge jiànyì.
  • English: I agree with your plan, but I have a few additional suggestions.
  • Analysis: In this pattern, “另外” can be placed after the subject and before the verb to mean “additionally” or “separately.”
• Example 6: (Usage: Determiner)
  • 他有一辆车自己开，另外一辆车给他妻子开。
  • Pinyin: Tā yǒu yí liàng chē zìjǐ kāi, lìngwài yí liàng chē gěi tā qīzi kāi.
  • English: He has one car that he drives himself, and the other car is for his wife to drive.
  • Analysis: This clearly distinguishes between two specific items in a set of two.
• Example 7: (Usage: Conjunction/Adverb)
  • 你需要带上护照。另外，别忘了带信用卡。
  • Pinyin: Nǐ xūyào dài shàng hùzhào. Lìngwài, bié wàngle dài xìnyòngkǎ.
  • English: You need to bring your passport. Besides that, don't forget to bring a credit card.
  • Analysis: A perfect example of adding a crucial, supplementary piece of advice.
• Example 8: (Usage: Determiner without Measure Word)
  • 除了他，另外几个人都迟到了。
  • Pinyin: Chúle tā, lìngwài jǐ ge rén dōu chídào le.
  • English: Besides him, the other few people were all late.
  • Analysis: “另外” modifies “几个人” (a few people) to specify the rest of the group being discussed.
• Example 9: (Usage: Conjunction/Adverb in a business context)
  • 这个季度的销售额达到了目标。另外，我想表扬一下市场部。
  • Pinyin: Zhège jìdù de xiāoshòu'é dádào le mùbiāo. Lìngwài, wǒ xiǎng biǎoyáng yíxià shìchǎngbù.
  • English: This quarter's sales volume has reached the target. In addition, I want to praise the marketing department.
  • Analysis: Used in a formal setting to transition from a statement of fact to a related action item.
• Example 10: (Usage: Determiner)
  • 我们先讨论这个问题，另外的问题下次再说。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen xiān tǎolùn zhège wèntí, lìngwài de wèntí xiàcì zàishuō.
  • English: Let's discuss this problem first; we can talk about the other problems next time.
  • Analysis: “另外的” is a common structure, equivalent to “other” + noun. The “的” particle makes it adjectival.

The most common point of confusion for learners is the difference between 另外 (lìngwài) and 还有 (háiyǒu).

• 还有 (háiyǒu): Primarily means “also have” or “and also.” It's used for simple, continuous listing of items within the same category. It's additive.
  • *Example:* 我喜欢苹果，还有香蕉。(Wǒ xǐhuān píngguǒ, háiyǒu xiāngjiāo.) - I like apples, and also bananas. (Listing two fruits I like).
• 另外 (lìngwài): Introduces a supplementary point that is distinct or separate from the previous one. It adds a new layer of information.
  • *Example:* 我喜欢苹果，因为它很健康。另外，香蕉也对身体好。(Wǒ xǐhuān píngguǒ, yīnwèi tā hěn jiànkāng. Lìngwài, xiāngjiāo yě duì shēntǐ hǎo.) - I like apples because they are healthy. In addition, bananas are also good for you. (Here, you're adding a separate, related fact).

Common Mistake: Using “另外” as a standalone pronoun.

• Incorrect: 我不喜欢这个，请给我另外。 (Wǒ bù xǐhuān zhège, qǐng gěi wǒ lìngwài.)
• Why it's wrong: When used as a determiner, “另外” must modify a noun (or a noun with a measure word). It cannot stand alone like “another” can in English (“Give me another”).
• Correct: 我不喜欢这个，请给我另外一个。 (Wǒ bù xǐhuān zhège, qǐng gěi wǒ lìngwài yí ge.)

• 还有 (háiyǒu) - Means “and also” or “still have.” Used for simple listing, less formal and structural than 另外.
• 此外 (cǐwài) - A more formal, written equivalent of 另外 as a conjunction. It means “in addition to this” or “moreover.”
• 而且 (érqiě) - Means “moreover” or “but also.” Used to add a reinforcing point, often with a sense of emphasis or escalation.
• 再说 (zàishuō) - Means “what's more” or “furthermore.” Often used to provide an additional, sometimes conclusive, reason for something.
• 别的 (biéde) - A common and slightly more colloquial way to say “other” or “something else.” It's often interchangeable with 另外 when used as a determiner (e.g., 别的/另外一个人).
• 其他 (qítā) - Means “other” or “the rest.” It's very similar to 另外 as a determiner but often refers to “all the other remaining items” in a set.