Meaning
局外人 literally means 'person outside the game/situation.' It refers to someone who is not part of a particular group, activity, or situation, and therefore lacks insider knowledge or involvement. The term emphasizes being on the periphery looking in, rather than being a participant.
Usage
Commonly used to describe someone who is uninvolved in a matter and therefore may not understand its complexities, or someone deliberately choosing to stay detached. Often appears in the phrase 局外人看得清 (outsiders see things more clearly). Can carry neutral or slightly negative connotations depending on context.
Examples
- 01作为局外人，我很难理解你们之间的矛盾。, .As an outsider, it's hard for me to understand the conflict between you.
- 02旁观者清，局外人往往能看到问题的本质。, .Bystanders see clearly; outsiders can often see the essence of a problem.
Characters
Measure words
- 个一个局外人
- 名几名局外人
Common collocations
- 作为局外人as an outsider
- 局外人看得清outsiders see things more clearly
- 纯粹的局外人complete outsider
Antonyms
Origin
局 originally referred to a chessboard or game setup, later extending to mean 'situation' or 'affair.' 局外人 contrasts with 局内人 (insider), creating a clear dichotomy between those inside and outside a particular context.