The character 外 (wài) is deeply embedded in the Chinese cultural psyche, particularly in its sharp contrast with 内 (nèi), meaning “inside.” This 内/外 distinction is a cornerstone of Chinese social structure. In Chinese culture, there's a very strong concept of an in-group (自己人, zìjǐrén - “one of us”) and an out-group (外人, wàirén - “outsider”). This isn't just about being friendly or not; it dictates levels of trust, obligation, and communication style. You might share information freely with someone 内, but be much more reserved with someone 外. This can be compared to the Western idea of a “public vs. private sphere,” but it's not the same. The Western concept often revolves around individual privacy and information. The Chinese 内/外 concept is about collective group identity. Who is inside your circle of trust and mutual obligation? This includes family, very close friends, and long-term colleagues. Everyone else is, to some degree, 外. Understanding this helps explain the importance of building 关系 (guānxi)—it's the process of slowly moving someone from an 外 position to an 内 position. A fascinating reflection of this is in family terms. The maternal side of the family is designated with 外: 外公 (maternal grandfather) and 外婆 (maternal grandmother). This stems from a traditionally patriarchal society where the bride marries *into* the groom's family, making her family “external” to the core family line.
外 is an incredibly versatile and common character in daily life.
This is its most literal and frequent use. It's used to talk about the physical outdoors.
This is arguably its most important meaning for international learners.
In the age of apps, this usage is ubiquitous.
As discussed, 外 denotes the maternal family line.