外来

外来 means 'foreign' or 'from outside,' describing something that originates from another place or culture. It is often used to distinguish things that are not native or indigenous.

The character 外 (wài) means 'outside' or 'external,' while 来 (lái) means 'to come.' Together, they form a term that conveys the idea of something coming from outside a particular context, such as a foreign object or a non-native concept.

外来 is commonly used in contexts like foreign goods, foreign influence, or foreign languages. In modern Chinese, it can also refer to foreign-related matters, such as foreign policy or foreign investment. Understanding this term helps learners grasp how Chinese distinguishes between native and external elements.