noun HSK 5
Traditional 外觀
appearance · exterior · outward look
Meaning
外观 refers to the external appearance or outward look of something, especially objects, buildings, or products. It emphasizes what can be seen from the outside, focusing on visual characteristics rather than internal qualities or function.
Usage
Commonly used in formal contexts like product descriptions, architecture, and design discussions. Often appears in phrases describing how something looks on the surface. Native speakers use it when evaluating or describing the visual design of physical objects.
Examples
- 01这款手机的外观设计非常时尚。.The exterior design of this phone is very fashionable.
- 02这座建筑虽然外观很旧，但内部已经完全翻新了。, .Although this building looks old on the outside, the interior has been completely renovated.
Characters
Common collocations
- 外观设计exterior design, appearance design
- 外观检查visual inspection
- 外观漂亮beautiful appearance
- 改善外观improve the appearance
Antonyms
Origin
Literally combines 'outside' (外) and 'view/appearance' (观) to mean 'outward appearance.' The character 观 originally depicted looking carefully at something.