外观 — meaning in English: Exterior

wàiguān · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for look

前

qián

酸

suān

站立

zhànlì

外观

wàiguān

手术

shǒushù

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use '外观' when discussing the physical appearance of objects, buildings, or even people. For instance, during a real estate tour, an agent might highlight the exterior of a property, or a friend might compliment someone's stylish outfit, referring to their '外观.'

Synonyms & nuances

'外观' can be compared to '外表' (wàibiǎo), which also means 'appearance.' While both refer to the look of something, '外观' often emphasizes the overall design and form, especially in a technical or artistic context, while '外表' might focus more on surface features or superficial traits.

Culture

'外观' literally translates to 'outside look' in Mandarin. This reflects the importance of aesthetics in Chinese culture, where the exterior of a person or object can often influence perceptions. Interestingly, in architecture, the concept of '外观' has evolved to include not just beauty but also functionality, reflecting modern trends in urban design.

FAQ

Q.What does '外观' mean in English?

'外观' translates to 'exterior' or 'appearance' in English, commonly used to describe the outer look of objects or spaces.

Q.How do you use '外观' in a sentence?

You can use '外观' in sentences like '这栋楼的外观很现代' which means 'The exterior of this building is very modern.'

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using '外观'?

A common mistake is using '外观' when referring to an object's function rather than its appearance. Remember, '外观' strictly relates to how something looks, not how it operates.

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