外貌
What does "外貌" mean in English?
appearance她的外貌很像她的母亲。
She looks very much like her mother.
How to use "外貌" correctly: definitions and examples in English?
The way someone or something looks; physical appearance.
这个演员的外貌很有特点，容易被观众记住。
The actor's appearance is distinctive and easy for the audience to remember.
我们不应该以貌取人。
We shouldn't judge people by their appearance.
Often used in contexts discussing first impressions, physical traits, or superficial judgments.
Pro Tip
Avoiding Misuse
外貌 is neutral and describes physical traits only. Avoid using it to describe non-physical attributes (e.g., 不要说 '他的外貌很善良' — use '他的性格很善良' instead).
Gold Rule
Physical vs. Non-Physical
外貌 ONLY refers to physical appearance (e.g., height, facial features). For personality traits, use terms like 性格 (xìnggé) or 品质 (pǐnzhì).
Word Origin
外 (wài) = external, outer; 貌 (mào) = appearance. Literally 'external appearance'.
Usage Notes
外貌 emphasizes physical traits visible from the outside, often used in neutral or descriptive contexts. It can carry a slightly more formal tone than colloquial terms like '长相' (zhǎngxiàng).