在外

在外 means 'away from home' or 'abroad.' It refers to a person being outside their usual place of residence, often implying absence from home, family, or familiar surroundings.

The character 在 (zài) means 'at' or 'to be,' and 外 (wài) means 'outside' or 'external.' Together, they form a phrase that literally translates to 'at the outside,' but in context, it conveys the idea of being away from one's home or homeland.

在外 is commonly used in daily conversations to describe someone who is traveling, studying, or working in another city or country. It carries cultural significance in Chinese society, where family ties are strong and being away from home can evoke feelings of homesickness or responsibility.