分外

fèn wài

HSK 3.0 Level 7 Adverb Rare

Definitions

1. exceptionally
2. not one's responsibility or job

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Word relationships

Antonyms

1 item

within one's area of responsibility

As a noun meaning 'one's responsibility or job'

Synonyms

2 items

especially

As an adverb meaning 'exceptionally'

very; really

As an adverb meaning 'exceptionally'

Usage notes

Common mistakes

The adverb meaning 'exceptionally' is pronounced fèn wài with a fourth tone on fèn. The separate phrase fēn wài means 'beyond the scope' and is less common.

Formality

分外 (fèn wài) as an adverb is more formal and literary compared to its near-synonyms 格外 (gé wài) and 非常 (fēi cháng), which are used in everyday speech.

Grammar

Guides that feature 分外

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1 guide

HSK 2.0 Level 6+ HSK 3.0 Level 7–9+ 6 min

颇, 略微, 分外 and 越发: Formal Degree Adverbs

Learn fourteen written-style degree adverbs in three groups: strong (颇, 大为, 分外, 尤为, 万分, 极度, 何等, 极力), slight (略, 略微, 稍稍, 微) and increasing (越发, 愈加).

Reading: fèn wài Open guide

Example Sentences

1 shown

今天的天气分外晴朗。

Today's weather is exceptionally clear.

AI-generated examples are marked with this icon.

Words Containing 分外

仇人相见，分外眼红

chóu rén xiāng jiàn , fèn wài yǎn hóng

when the enemies come face to face, their eyes blaze with hatred (idiom)

Child Words of 分外

to divide; to separate

part

outside