noun / location word HSK 4
outdoor · outside · exterior
Meaning
室外 literally means 'outside the room' and refers to any outdoor or exterior space, as opposed to indoors. It's commonly used to describe outdoor activities, outdoor areas, or things located outside buildings.
Usage
室外 is often used in more formal or written contexts compared to the casual 外面 (wàimiàn). You'll frequently see it on signs, in weather reports (室外温度 'outdoor temperature'), and when discussing outdoor facilities or activities. It pairs naturally with 室内 (indoor) as an opposite.
Examples
- 01今天室外温度零下五度，很冷。, .The outdoor temperature today is minus five degrees; it's very cold.
- 02这个酒店有室外游泳池和室内健身房。.This hotel has an outdoor swimming pool and an indoor gym.
Characters
Common collocations
- 室外活动outdoor activities
- 室外温度outdoor temperature
- 室外游泳池outdoor swimming pool
- 室外空气outdoor air
Antonyms
Origin
Compound of 室 (room/chamber) and 外 (outside), creating a formal term for exterior spaces that contrasts with 室内 (indoor).