Chinese word

外语

Pronunciation

Pinyinwài yǔ

Meaning

  • nounforeign language

Example

外语很重要，你会说哪种外语？wài yǔ hěn zhòng yào nǐ huì shuō nǎ zhǒng wài yǔ

Foreign languages are important. Which foreign language can you speak?

Illustration for 外语 (foreign language)

More examples

我会说两种外语。wǒ huì shuō liáng zhǒng wài yǔ

I can speak two foreign languages.

Core concept

A language learned or used across the boundary of one's own language community.

Common phrases

  • 学外语xué wài yǔ

    study a foreign language

  • 说外语shuō wài yǔ

    speak a foreign language

  • 会外语huì wài yǔ

    be able to speak a foreign language

Similar words

英语yīng yǔ: The language of England and many other countries, also widely studied by learners.
语言yǔ yán: A system of words, sounds, or signs used for human communication.

Definition in Chinese

指本国以外的国家或地区使用的语言，也指作为外语学习或在交流中使用的非母语。zhǐ běn guó yǐ wài de guó jiā huò dì qū shǐ yòng de yǔ yán yě zhǐ zuò wéi wài yǔ xué xí huò zài jiāo liú zhōng shǐ yòng de fēi mú yǔ

Word origin

The compound 外 (wài, "outside") + 语 (yǔ, "language") presents the language as coming from outside the speaker's usual linguistic surroundings.

Usage tips

  • Chinese often names the specific language when clarity matters, such as English or French, instead of using the broad category alone.

Opposites

Related words

  • 外语课wài yǔ kèforeign language classnoun
  • 外语老师wài yǔ lǎo shīforeign language teachernoun

Word lists with this word