Meaning
外向 describes a personality type that is outgoing, sociable, and oriented toward the external world. It refers to people who are comfortable in social situations, enjoy interacting with others, and draw energy from external engagement rather than solitude.
Usage
Commonly used in psychological contexts and everyday conversations about personality. Often appears in the phrase '性格外向' (xìng gé wài xiàng, 'has an extroverted personality'). Native speakers use it to contrast with '内向' (introverted). It can also occasionally mean 'outward-facing' in business contexts, though the personality meaning is far more common.
Examples
- 01她性格很外向，喜欢和别人聊天。, .She has a very extroverted personality and enjoys chatting with others.
- 02他不像哥哥那么外向，更喜欢安静地看书。, .He's not as extroverted as his older brother; he prefers reading quietly.
Characters
Common collocations
- 性格外向extroverted personality
- 外向的人extroverted person
- 比较外向relatively extroverted
Antonyms
Origin
Literally 'outward-facing' or 'facing toward the outside,' this term was adopted into modern Chinese psychology vocabulary to translate the Western concept of 'extroversion.'