外出 wàichū to go out
to go out; to go away (on a trip etc)
How to remember 外出: 外 outside + 出 go out = to go out.
Characters
How it is used
- Formal, written verb meaning to go out - for an errand, a trip, or work - implying a period away from home.
- More formal than everyday 出去 (chūqù); you wouldn't use 外出 for "go out and play," where 出去玩 is natural.
- Common in notices and news: 外出旅游 (wàichū lǚyóu) travel away from home, 外出打工 (wàichū dǎgōng) go work away from home.
Example sentences
- 我父亲外出了。 Wǒ fùqīn wàichū le.My father is out.
- 这种天气下最好待在家里不要外出。 Zhèzhǒng tiānqì xià zuìhǎo dàizàijiālǐ búyào wàichū.In this kind of weather, it's best to stay home and not go outside.
- 我曾经每周末都和朋友外出。 Wǒ céngjīng měi zhōumò dōu hé péngyǒu wàichū.I used to go out with friends every weekend.