Chinese Word
Archive
← Today's word Archive
noun HSK 4
páng rén
bystander · other people · outsider · stranger

Meaning

旁人 refers to people who are not directly involved in a situation—bystanders, onlookers, or others who are external to a particular matter. It emphasizes the perspective of those standing 'beside' or 'outside' the main participants.

Usage

Commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese to refer to third parties or uninvolved observers. Often appears in phrases like 旁人看来 (from an outsider's perspective) or 不关旁人的事 (none of other people's business). Neutral register, appropriate in most contexts.

Examples

  1. 01
    这件事与旁人无关，请不要插手。
    Zhè jiàn shì yǔ páng rén wú guān, qǐng bú yào chā shǒu.
    This matter doesn't concern outsiders, please don't interfere.
  2. 02
    在旁人看来，他们是完美的一对。
    Zài páng rén kàn lái, tā men shì wán měi de yī duì.
    From an outsider's perspective, they are a perfect couple.

Characters

Measure words

  • 个gè一个旁人

Common collocations

  • 旁人看来
    páng rén kàn lái
    from an outsider's perspective
  • 不关旁人
    bù guān páng rén
    none of other people's business
  • 旁人眼中
    páng rén yǎn zhōng
    in the eyes of others

Antonyms

Origin

Literally 'side person'—someone standing beside or outside the main situation.

Related