COMPONENTS & ETYMOLOGY
How 外 is built
Traditional etymology note: Night-time 夕 divinations 卜; the supernatural, the foreign
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How to Write 外 (wài) — Chinese Character Stroke Order, Meaning & Practice Sheet
outside
wàiTone 4 (Falling)Drop your pitch sharply and firmly.
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STROKE BY STROKE
Static stroke diagrams
Follow all 5 strokes in the correct order.
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StrokeSheetCharacter Writing Worksheet
wài
外
outside
Common words
wài biān
外边
outside; outer surface; abroad; place other than one's home
wài guó
外国
foreign (country)
wài miàn
外面
outside (also pr. [wai4 mian5] for this sense); surface; exterior; external appearance
wài dì
外地
parts of the country other than where one is
wài mài
外卖
(of a restaurant) to provide a takeout or home delivery meal; takeout (business); takeout (meal)
wài yǔ
外语
foreign language
Follow the stroke order, then write it on your own.
外
外
外
外
外
外
外
外
LEARNING TIP
Remember 外
Say “wài” aloud as you replay the animation. Then hide the model and write the 5 strokes from memory. Short, repeated practice builds a stronger visual and motor connection.
Practice on CanvasWORDS WITH 外
Common words and phrases
wài biān
outside; outer surface; abroad; place other than one's home
wài guó
foreign (country)
wài miàn
outside (also pr. [wai4 mian5] for this sense); surface; exterior; external appearance
wài dì
parts of the country other than where one is
wài mài
(of a restaurant) to provide a takeout or home delivery meal; takeout (business); takeout (meal)
wài yǔ
foreign language
IN CONTEXT
Example sentences
这个字是“外”。
Zhège zì shì “wài”.
This character is “外”.
我正在学习“外”字。
Wǒ zhèngzài xuéxí “wài” zì.
I am learning the character “外”.
请写一遍“外”。
Qǐng xiě yí biàn “wài”.
Please write “外” once.
Frequently asked questions
How many strokes are in 外?
外 is written with 5 strokes.
What does 外 (wài) mean?
外 (wài) means outside.
What is the radical of 外?
The radical of 外 is 夕, associated with Not yet classified.