ngoi6 gaai3外界
Jyutpingngoi6 gaai3
Yalengoih gaai
Definition
The outside world; the external environment or people outside of one's group.
neutralpeoplecommunication
How it's used
Refers specifically to the social, professional, or physical environment beyond one's immediate circle or personal space. It often carries a sense of detachment or isolation, frequently appearing in contexts involving news, public opinion, or people who choose to live reclusively.
Examples
He rarely has contact with the outside world and always hides at home.
How do you think the outside world views this matter?
Related words
Common phrases
contact with the outside world
external commentary
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe physical locations like 'outside the house' or 'outdoors', where terms like 出面 or 室外 are more natural.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
