见外

jiàn wài

What does "见外" mean in English?

make someone feel excluded

你别见外，跟自己家一样。

Don't treat me like an outsider; make yourself at home.

How to use "见外" correctly: definitions and examples in English?

◆ What It Really Means

To make someone feel like they are not part of a group due to overly formal or distant behavior, creating emotional distance.

¶ Literal Meaning

To regard someone as being outside (the group).

Literal Breakdown

见regard+外outside

◇ Mental Image

Imagine someone standing outside a warm, inviting house, hesitating to enter because they feel unwelcome.

◈ When to Use

At a casual dinner with friends, if someone keeps apologizing for small things or acts overly reserved, you might say, '别见外，跟自己家一样!' (Don’t act like an outsider; make yourself at home!).

◉ Cultural Note

This phrase reflects the Chinese cultural emphasis on harmony and familiarity in relationships. Overly formal behavior can disrupt the natural flow of social interactions.

informal

To make someone feel like they don't belong or are not part of a group, often by being overly polite or formal.

在朋友家里吃饭时，他不停道谢，让主人觉得见外了。

When he kept thanking the host during dinner at their home, it made the host feel like an outsider.

你是自己人，别见外，随便吃点。

You're one of us, don't feel like an outsider—help yourself.

Often used in contexts where warmth and familiarity are expected, such as among friends or family.

Collocations

别见外don't stand on ceremony太见外了too formal/overly polite

polite/formal greetings

见外的话phrase

if you feel excluded

Pro Tip

Cultural Context

In Chinese culture, being overly formal with close friends or family can signal distance. Use 见外 to describe this dynamic when someone's behavior makes others feel excluded.

Gold Rule

When to Use

Use 见外 when someone's behavior (e.g., excessive politeness) makes others feel like they don't belong. It’s often used to gently remind someone to relax and act naturally.

Word Origin

见 (jiàn) means 'to see' or 'to regard,' while 外 (wài) means 'outside.' The phrase originated from the idea of regarding someone as 'outside' the group, hence making them feel excluded.

Usage Notes

Common in social interactions where close relationships are expected. Overuse of politeness can make others feel uncomfortable or distant.

Word Breakdown

见

to regard/see

root

外

outside/foreign

root

汉英词典

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见外