以外

いがい

other than, with the exception of, excepting

JLPT N4

Character Breakdown

Usage of 以外

The word 以外 (yǐwài) is commonly used to mean "except for" or "other than." It excludes the mentioned item or category from the statement. It can refer to people, times, places, or things.

Common contexts

  1. To exclude a person or thing: 除了以外 (except him).
  2. To indicate time exceptions: 周末以外 (except weekends).
  3. To add something beyond a stated amount or condition: 价格以外 (beyond the price).

Collocations and patterns

  • 除了...以外 (chúle... yǐwài): "except for..." or "besides..." often used to introduce exceptions or additions.
  • ...以外 (yǐwài de): used as an adjective meaning "other than..." or "outside of..."

Nuances

Using 以外 emphasizes exclusion or addition beyond what is specified. It is more formal than some colloquial alternatives and is widely used in both spoken and written Chinese.

Common confusion

Don't confuse 以外 with (zhīwài), which is similar but often used in more formal or written contexts. 以外 is more versatile and common in everyday speech.

Example Sentences

No one knows about this except him.

Except on weekends, I go to the library every day.

Besides this price, a service fee will also be charged.