tin1 ngoi6天外
Jyutpingtin1 ngoi6
Yaletīn ngoih
Definition
Beyond the earth; outer space or beyond the horizon.
neutraldescriptions
How it's used
This term is primarily used in the idiom 天外有天, which suggests that there is always someone better or something greater beyond one's current knowledge or environment. It carries a sense of humility, reminding people not to be arrogant because there is always a higher level to reach. Outside of this idiom, it is rarely used in daily conversation to describe physical space.
Examples
He is always imagining a world beyond the earth.
This technology seems as miraculous as if it came from beyond the earth.
Related words
Common phrases
there is always someone better
a legendary flying immortal
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with literal outer space terms like 太空, as 天外 is almost exclusively used in a metaphorical or philosophical context regarding human achievement or perspective.
Grammar color guide
Noun
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Grammar guides
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
- Possession (嘅)How to say my, your, and his, and how to link a describing word to a noun, all with the little word 嘅 (ge3).
