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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing besides with 外 (wài)

    Connecting Ideas
    Listing & Enumeration

    Structure

    除了 + Noun/Verb Phrase + 外

    Explanation

    外 (wài) can mean "besides" or "in addition to" when used in the pattern 除了...外. This structure introduces an exception or an additional item beyond what has already been mentioned. It is interchangeable with 除了...以外 in most contexts.

    Examples

    • 除了英语外,她还会说法语。

      Chúle Yīngyǔ wài, tā hái huì shuō Fǎyǔ.

      Besides English, she can also speak French.

    • 除了工作外,他还要照顾家里的孩子。

      Chúle gōngzuò wài, tā hái yào zhàogù jiālǐ de háizi.

      Besides work, he also has to take care of the children at home.

    • 除了价格贵外,这家店什么都好。

      Chúle jiàgé guì wài, zhè jiā diàn shénme dōu hǎo.

      Apart from the high prices, everything else about this store is good.

    Expressing besides with 外 (wài) | Chinese Grammar